Murtala Mohammed

ModernGeneralNigeria1938 — ?

Nigerian head of state assassinated after 200 days.

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Quick Facts

Born

1938

Country

Nigeria

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)55

Legacy (20%)47

Leadership (15%)30

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score51.1

Murtala Mohammed — Complete Timeline

1975 AD

Implemented sweeping reforms and anti-corruption driveReform◆ Major

Mohammed launched a major anti-corruption campaign, retired thousands of civil servants and military officers, and restructured the government. He also announced plans to move the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja and created new states.

ReformsAnti-CorruptionNigeria

Impact: nationalconstructive

Appointed Head of State of NigeriaPolitical Action

General Murtala Mohammed was appointed Head of State of Nigeria on July 29, 1975, after a bloodless coup that overthrew General Yakubu Gowon. Mohammed promised to restore discipline and tackle corruption in the oil-rich nation.

CoupHead of StateNigeria

Impact: nationalconstructive

1976 AD

Assassinated in failed coup attemptPolitical Action

Murtala Mohammed was assassinated on February 13, 1976, in Lagos during a failed coup attempt led by Lieutenant Colonel Buka Suka Dimka. His death after only 200 days in power shocked Nigeria and led to the ascension of Olusegun Obasanjo.

AssassinationCoup AttemptNigeria

Impact: nationaltragic