Babangida’s Toughest Decision Was Ordering Execution of Mamman Vatsa – Filmmaker Obi Emelonye

Renowned Nollywood filmmaker, Obi Emelonye, has revealed that former Nigerian military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), once disclosed that ordering the execution of his childhood friend, Mamman Vatsa, was the most difficult decision of his military career.

Emelonye made this known during a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where he reflected on his interactions with Babangida while working on his biopic, Badamasi: Portrait of a General.

Babangida’s Dilemma Over Vatsa’s Fate

According to Emelonye, Babangida and Mamman Vatsa shared a deep personal and professional history, dating back to their time as classmates at Bida Secondary School and later as course mates at the Nigerian Military School.

“They rose through the ranks together after the civil war,” Emelonye explained. “After Babangida was injured in battle, it was Mamman Vatsa who took over his command while he recovered in the hospital.”

Babangida later appointed Vatsa as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a role that underscored their close bond and trust.

However, that trust was shattered when a coup plot against Babangida’s government was uncovered. While Vatsa was not directly involved, he allegedly became aware of the plan but failed to report it.

“In military politics, if you hear about a coup and don’t report it, you are as guilty as those who planned it,” Emelonye recounted. “The plan was not just to kill Babangida at Dodan Barracks but also to burn it down with his family inside. When the tribunal found that Vatsa knew about it but remained silent, he was convicted.”

Babangida faced a moral and professional dilemma—whether to spare his friend or uphold military tradition.

“He was deeply conflicted,” Emelonye continued. “He told me that ordering Vatsa’s execution was the hardest thing he ever had to do, but he believed that if anyone had betrayed their friendship, it was Vatsa.”

Vatsa’s Execution and Lingering Controversy

Mamman Vatsa was executed on March 5, 1986, after being found guilty of treason by a military tribunal. His death remains one of the most controversial moments in Nigeria’s military history, with debates still ongoing over whether his conviction was justified.

Emelonye revealed that he also spoke with Vatsa’s family, who shared their pain and frustration over his fate. “I gave them Babangida’s perspective, but the truth remains that no one can say with absolute certainty that Vatsa did not know about the coup. That was the basis upon which he was convicted.”

The execution of Mamman Vatsa, a poet, soldier, and former FCT minister, remains a significant chapter in Nigeria’s military history, highlighting the complexities of loyalty, duty, and political survival.