Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has threatened legal action against former military head of state Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) over his unlawful detention during the June 12 struggle and the execution of his childhood friend, Mamman Vatsa.
In his recently released memoir, *A Journey of Service*, Babangida disclosed that he approved Vatsa’s execution over an alleged coup attempt. He also admitted that the late Moshood Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on *Channels TV* on Tuesday, Falana stated that Babangida’s revelations have revived the issue.
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He recalled being arrested alongside Gani Fawehinmi and Bensome Ransom Kuti for participating in the “IBB Must Go” protest after the annulment of the election.
Falana further described the execution of Vatsa and others as punishment for a “phantom coup,” insisting that Vatsa’s case was a premeditated murder.
Mr Falana said: “During the popular ‘IBB Must Go’ campaign, we were arrested in Lagos and brought to FCT, and we were detained in Kuje Prison in 1992, Chief Fawahemi went to court on our behalf. He, too, was arrested for going to court on our behalf and was brought to Kuje Prison.
“The vehicle that was taking us to prison manoeuvred, and we found ourselves at the Gwagwalada Chief Magistrate Court, where we were charged with treasonable felony, of course, they brought the then NASS president to join us.
“Since we had not access to our lawyer, the late Gani Fawehimi and I decided to defend our internal colleagues. We turned out arraignment to the trial of the junta.
“IBB postponed the terminal date of his transition, which we were fighting, which means that there was no basis for our detention and the massive infringement on our human rights.
“Because when you keep me in Kuje prison, you deny me my right to liberty, my freedom of movement. You also violate my to choose the government of my country.
“The matter is not settled because the man who did it has come out today and say I did it wrongly. I am going to challenge the malicious prosecution—my malicious prosecution and that of my colleagues. He has brought the matter to life by his recent revelation.”
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