Gowon reveals how his trusted security aide contributed to overthrow him

Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State, has revealed that one of his close aides in the security service, Joseph Garba, participated in the July 1975 coup that saw him lose power.

This information was made public through an 859-page autobiography penned by Gowon entitled “My Life of Duty and Allegiance.”

As stated by the ex-general, Joseph Garba, who was his Commander of the Federal Guards Unit and was tasked with protecting his life, contributed to the coup that brought down his government.

According to him, he swore to him a few days ago that he knew nothing about the conspiracy to bring down his government.

The General said his Chief Security Officer and Head of the Special Branch warned him of a coup plan before the OAU conference in Kampala, Uganda, naming Joseph Garba, who was then the Commander of the Federal Guards Unit, and Anthony Ochefu, then the Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Military Police.

He went on to stress that the threat had put him in a very serious situation. He further added that he had selected Garba to be in the most vital post in his security system; in particular, the one special force whose duty was the protection of the Head of State.

It should also be noted that the selection of Garba to lead the Brigade of Guards was also due to family relationship.

“As commander of the Federal Guards, which is the elite entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the person of the Head of State, Garba was supposed to have unquestionable loyalty.

“Not only did I intimately know both men, but I had also grown to like and trust them over the years.

“Coincidentally, both were Christians and from my original home state, Benue Plateau,” he narrated.