Sanusi recalls Murtala Mohammed assassination from his Kings College days, sharing personal memories and describing the late Head of State as kind and humorous
Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has shared a deeply personal memory of the day Nigeria’s former Head of State, Murtala Mohammed, was assassinated, revealing he was at King’s College, Lagos, under Murtala’s guardianship at the time.
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Sanusi made this emotional revelation while speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Wednesday, marking nearly 49 years since the tragic coup of February 13, 1976.
“Murtala Mohammed was my uncle,” Sanusi said. “When I came to Lagos in 1973 for school, he became my guardian. I spent weekends and holidays at his house, growing up closely with his children.”
The Emir offered a glowing tribute to the late leader, calling him a paradox of strength and gentleness.
“Outside, he had the image of a tough military ruler, but inside the home, he was kind-hearted, gentle, and even humorous,” Sanusi recalled fondly.
Murtala Mohammed, Nigeria’s fourth Head of State, was assassinated in Lagos in a failed coup led by Lt. Col. Bukar Suka Dimka.
Sanusi emphasized the personal grief he experienced, having known the late leader intimately not just as a national figure but as “Uncle Kawu Murtala.”
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The Emir’s reflection adds a human dimension to the national memory of Murtala, whose short but impactful reign is still remembered for decisive reforms and a no-nonsense approach to governance.
