Businessman Bukar Mandara Found Guilty in 1981 Coup Plot Against Nigerian President Shagari

In 1981, Bukar Mandara, a businessman from Maiduguri, orchestrated a coup plot against Nigerian President Alhaji Shehu Shagari. Mandara enlisted support from members of the armed forces to topple the government, with plans to eliminate Shagari and other political leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, Aminu Kano, Waziri Ibrahim, and Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Mandara was arrested on February 6, 1981, by the National Security Organization (NSO) and charged with treason in a Lagos court. The trial, held in camera for security reasons, resulted in Mandara being found guilty on July 30, 1982, by Chief Justice Fred Anyaegbunam.

The evidence presented included a detailed plan to assassinate Shagari and other officials. Mandara's greed for money and power was highlighted during the trial, where he was described as a "greedy businessman." The coup plot exposed Mandara's corrupt intentions and disregard for the rule of law.