Aisha Muhammed, daughter of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, has revealed that her father’s simple way of life played a major role in how easily he was assassinated.
Speaking on ARISE News’ Morning Show while reflecting on the 50th anniversary of his death, Aisha — who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation — described the late leader as a man who practised the values he demanded from others.
According to her, General Muhammed strongly believed in discipline, accountability and personal responsibility, and viewed corruption as a destructive force capable of ruining society. She noted that he did not merely speak against corruption but lived a life that reflected his beliefs.
She explained that her father deliberately rejected the privileges of power, choosing to live like the average Nigerian rather than surround himself with excessive security or luxury.
“He didn’t move with long motorcades, sirens or heavy security,” she said. “He believed leaders should embody the values they preach, and he lived exactly that way.”
Aisha stated that this decision, while admirable, left him exposed. On the day of his assassination, General Muhammed was travelling in traffic like every other citizen, without special protection.
She recalled that traffic officials had stopped his vehicle along with others on the road when the coup plotters took advantage of the moment to strike.
“That simplicity was who he was,” she said. “It’s painful in hindsight, but that was his character. He lived as he governed.”
General Murtala Muhammed came to power in July 1975 after a bloodless coup that removed General Yakubu Gowon. His leadership, though brief, left a lasting mark on Nigeria.
During his roughly 200 days in office, he carried out far-reaching reforms, including the dismissal of thousands of public officials accused of corruption, the creation of seven new states, and the initiation of plans to return the country to civilian rule.
His administration also began the process that eventually led to the relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.
General Muhammed was assassinated on February 13, 1976, during a failed coup, cutting short a leadership era many Nigerians still regard as one of discipline, courage and national purpose.