Fifty years after the 1976 coup that shook Nigeria, Michael Otuwe—the only man to survive in the car during the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed—has shared his emotional story.
A retired Master Warrant Officer, Otuwe served the General for 11 years, witnessing everything from the Civil War to that final, tragic day in Lagos.
The Key Memories:
A Disciplined Leader: Otuwe recalls that Muhammed personally chose him because he was always neat and smart. He describes the General as a leader who put Nigeria first and even disguised himself to visit local markets and ensure traders weren't overcharging for food.
The Fatal Morning: On February 13, 1976, the General’s car was stopped in traffic by a policeman. Suddenly, men in traditional agbada pulled out rifles and sprayed the car with bullets.
The Second Attack: The attackers initially walked away, but when they saw the General's aide (ADC) try to open the door to help him, they returned and emptied their magazines into the vehicle.
A Miracle Survival: Otuwe was shot in the arm and hip and woke up in a mortuary. He only survived because a worker noticed his hand moving and called a doctor.
