IBB Under Fire: Vatsa’s Family Questions The Killing Of A ‘Loyal Friend

A family member of the late General Mamman Vatsa, Jonathan Vatsa, has condemned former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), over the execution of his brother.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released on Friday, Jonathan criticized Babangida’s justification for Vatsa’s execution, rejecting the claim that it was necessary for national security. He described the execution as unjust and unnecessary.

Babangida, in excerpts from his autobiography, A Journey of Service, launched on February 20, 2025, detailed the failed coup allegedly led by his childhood friend Vatsa and the difficult choice he faced between personal loyalty and national security.

Reacting to these revelations, Jonathan also took issue with Babangida’s recent apology for the annulment of the June 12 presidential election, arguing that such gestures were meaningless given the irreversible damage caused by his past actions.

“Why the Rush to Execute an Innocent Man?”

Jonathan maintained that his brother was unfairly executed, insisting that Vatsa never had a chance to appeal his death sentence.

“My position has always been that he was killed unjustly. He never deserved to die. Even though the military tribunal sentenced him to death, he had the right to appeal. But before he could even file an appeal, they announced his execution an hour earlier. Why the rush to execute an innocent man?” he questioned.

He further likened the situation to a legal case where a person wins in court but is denied the right to appeal due to procedural loopholes.

“They weren’t fair to him. It wasn’t about sacrifice; they saw him as a threat. If he had been alive, they wouldn’t have been able to accomplish the things they did,” he added.

Babangida Owes More Than an Apology

Jonathan also insisted that Babangida owes Nigerians more than just an apology, urging him to take responsibility for the consequences of his actions.

“He owes Nigerians apologies on so many issues. But beyond that, he should also be grateful that he is still alive and has the chance to say ‘I’m sorry.’ However, an apology alone is not enough—he must also make restitution. Everything he took from Nigerians in an unjust manner, he should return,” Jonathan stated.