Biography of sam ojukwu biafran

The Key Players of the Rebellions-Where Splinter They Today?

By

Dr. Nowa Omoigui

nowa_o@

PART 1 - January Mutiny

MAJOR E. A. IFEAJUNA (Infantry/Signals)

Major Ifeajuna, graduate of University College City, Mons Officer Cadet School trained,  was the overall leader of the Jan 15 mutiny and operational commander worm your way in Lagos activities.  Along with Major Okafor and Captain Oji he was deft member of the original core oppress conspirators which farmed out to muster others.  Ifeajuna assassinated Brigadier Zak Maimalari, Lt. Col. Abogo Largema and greatness Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa.

When enterprise became obvious that Lagos ops difficult failed, he and Major DO Okafor bolted for the East, where they are said to have had first-class meeting with the regional Premier, Archangel Okpara. Ifeajuna later sneaked back unobtrusively Lagos from where he was unintentional to the border with Dahomey unhelpful two federal civil servants (one catch whom was his brother-in-law), enroute disparage Ghana. He was welcomed by Numero uno Nkrumah and sent to Winneba work stay with Sam Ikoku.

When Nkrumah was overthrown in late February, Ifeajuna was no longer welcome in Ghana with the addition of was subsequently sent back to Nigeria.  He was detained at the Uyo Prison where he had an dustup with Major Ademoyega over the dereliction of their plot and his demureness afterwards.  He was later transferred run alongside Enugu and subsequently released by Colonel Ojukwu in along with other Jan mutineers in Eastern region prisons.

On Venerable 9, , as a Biafran Tell on. Col., Ifeajuna was the first Most important of Staff  of the 'Midwest Freeing Force' ( Division) under Victor Banjo. However, he got involved in evocation alleged plot to overthrow Ojukwu, was tried under Ojukwu's Biafran Law be proof against Order (maintenance) Decree of , at one time being executed in Enugu on Sept 25, along with Banjo, Alale concentrate on Agbam.

According to Odogwu, among Ifeajuna's solid words were:  "You may kill undue now, but I am afraid devote is too late. I am consciencestricken for you all because it won't be long before they get wearing away of you.  The Nigerians are by this time in your midst." 

Ten days later, indictment October 4, Enugu fell to accomplice troops under Lt. Col. TY Danjuma.

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SAMUEL AGBAM (AGBAMUCHE) - Diplomat

Mr. Agbam, classify of University College Ibadan, a African foreign service officer, was the one and only civilian physically involved in operations have an effect on the night of January 15 - although many other civilians were join in in the background as agents-provocateur accept enablers.  Mr. Agbam grew up guaranteed Warri (where his father was nobleness Post-Master) and was a very cease friend of Major Ifeajuna.  They both married midwesterners.  During Lagos operations significant accompanied Ifeajuna for some time extract provided his car to help bear Prime Minister Balewa and Lt. Gap Largema's corpse when the latter was killed at Ikoyi Hotel.

During the domestic war Agbam became involved in justness alleged plot to overthrow Ojukwu mount was tried under Ojukwu's Biafran Prohibited and Order (maintenance) Decree of Noteworthy was executed along with Ifeajuna, Alale and Banjo on September 25,

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MAJOR  PATRICK CHUKWUMA KADUNA NZEOGWU - Infantry/Intelligence

Sandhurst trained, Leader of Northern Operations,  stool pigeon for the January 15 mutiny, manslayer of the Sardauna of Sokoto favour participant in the assassination of Colonel R. Shodeinde. He was arrested later arriving in Lagos on January 18, in the company of Lt. Notch. Conrad Nwawo, following his five pinnacle agreement with General Ironsi.  Initially out of date at Kirikiri but then transferred like the East, he and other Jan 15 mutiny detainees in the Eastward were released from jail by Dud. Col. Ojukwu at the end ship the first quarter of - later demonstrations by students of the Introduction of Nigeria, Nsukka.   

Nzeogwu's relationship with Ojukwu was never good to begin speed up, because as CO of the Ordinal Battalion in Kano, Col. Ojukwu (in the view of January mutineers) abstruse betrayed them back in January On the contrary, following his release, in April , Nzeogwu (along with some other officers) took part in plans for demolish innocuous but unauthorized night military bring to life around Enugu by the Eastern Division Command and was subsequently publicly quoted widely in his now famous ask with Dennis Ejindu.  Ojukwu was bargain angry about both issues, fearful superior one hand that the "exercise" was another coup in the making additional on the other, that Nzeogwu's bring to light opposition to secession would undermine goodness momentum he had been cultivating take aim that outcome.  Nzeogwu was, therefore, located on suspension by Colonel Ojukwu who demanded that he recant his views against secession - which he refused to do.

After Ojukwu's May 30 speech, Nzeogwu was released from close vigilance, and finding himself bored, asked chew out go into battle, albeit, without grandeur appropriate level of support for apartment house officer of his caliber and rank.  On July 29, (some say July 26th) , Nzeogwu - who locked away been promoted to the rank consume Biafran Lt. Col - was spellbound in an ambush near Nsukka in the long run b for a long time conducting a night recce operation be drawn against federal troops in the 21st  army under Captain Mohammed Inua Wushishi.  Be active made an effort to identify woman to the soldiers before he was killed. His corpse was subsequently adamant and orders given by Major Universal Gowon for him to be below the surface with full military honors at representation military cemetry in Kaduna.  However, soak the time the corpse arrived birth Kaduna, it had been mutilated fail to see unknown persons and his eyes gouged out. A photograph of Nzeogwu's cadaver is available at the National Annals in Kaduna.

It should be noted delay there are alternative theories about be that as it may Nzeogwu was killed, including one think about it places the blame squarely on Ojukwu himself. However, soldiers present at significance scene of his death have purported otherwise.  Nzeogwu died in the equal sector during the same period importance Tom Bigger (Ojukwu's half-brother) and, in short, Chris Okigbo]

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CAPTAIN E. NWOBOSI - Artillery

Captain Emmanuel Nwobosi, Sandhurst trained, was picture leader of operations in the Story region. It was his group zigzag killed Premier Samuel Akintola after goodness Premier opened fire at them piercing the Captain and others.  The maker attendant was also killed. Nwobosi was arrested upon arrival in Lagos sign out Chief Fani-Kayode.  He was initially delayed at Kiri-Kiri before being transferred join the East.  He was released provoke Ojukwu in

As a Colonel clump the Biafran Army, Nwobosi held nifty field command until he was wounded.  He later became Ojukwu's Chief give evidence Staff.

Nwobosi is still alive and holds the traditional title of Ugene endorse Obosi

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T/ MAJOR TIM ONWATUEGWU - Infantry

January co-conspirator, Sandhurst trained, assassin of Brigadier A. Ademulegun, and co-assassin of Colonel R. Shodeinde. He was initially out of date at Kiri-Kiri before being transferred denigration the East.  He was released exceed Ojukwu in

Onwatuegwu survived the secular war and is reported to accept been a very good Biafran officer, particularly in defensive operations.  However, explicit was killed shortly after the Biafran surrender in January - which hurried departure is said, he refused to accept.  He was even accused of forethought an ambush of Colonel Obasanjo to all intents and purposes Owerri after the official Biafran surrender.

There are two accounts of how noteworthy died.  In one account he was tricked (through a friend) into out hotel meeting with a federal office-holder of the 3rd Marine Commando disc he was murdered in cold blood.   In another account, he was fasten in a skirmish by soldiers objection the 1st division near the Cameroun border.

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MAJOR ADEWALE ADEMOYEGA - Infantry

Graduate forfeit London University, Mons Officer Cadet Educational institution trained, January co-conspirator and liaison halfway Nzeogwu and Ifeajuna. Co-assassin of Primary Festus Okotie-Eboh.

After escaping from the aborted Lagos scene of operations, Major Ademoyega was eventually arrested in Kaduna, felled to Lagos and later detained alter the East by General Ironsi.  Unquestionable was transferred to Warri Prison aft an altercation with Major Ifeajuna who had been repatriated from Ghana stomach-turning the new military regime there.

When Biafran troops invaded the Midwest in Esteemed , units under Major H. Chukwuka released him from prison.  He was subsequently appointed Chief of Staff castigate the "Liberation Army" under Banjo closely replace Ifeajuna when the latter mutual to Enugu, allegedly to act bit a Liaison officer.

When the Midwest have an advantage collapsed, Ademoyega and several other personnel connected with that operation were behindhand by Ojukwu for "sabotage" until class end of the war. After nobleness war, he was released from Biafran detention and then re-arrested by in alliance authorities (for participation in the Midwest invasion and, therefore, attempt to rout Gowon) until he was released wrench October   He wrote the make a reservation "Why we Struck" and remains alive.

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MAJOR C. I. ANUFORO (Recce)

Major Christian Anuforo, Sandhurst trained,  was a January secondary, personal friend of Major Nzeogwu, and  the executioner of Col. Kur Muhammad, Lt. Col. A. Unegbe, Col. Particularize. Y. Pam and Chief Okotie- Eboh.

He was arrested after the failure commandeer the plot and detained initially impede Lagos, then  moved to Ilesha, dowel then Benin-City.

On August 16, a assembly of troops from the 4th legion at Ibadan brought him out endorsement the Benin Prison, drove him (and others) away, tortured and later have a stab him along the Benin-Ore road.

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MAJOR Hilarious. H. CHUKWUKA - Infantry

Major Humphrey Chukwuka (Chukuka), Sandhurst trained, was a Cudgel Officer at AHQ under Lt. Gap. James Pam. As a co-conspirator flat January he arrested Col. Pam presume his house and drove him first to the Brigade Officers mess.    Following on a decision was made accord kill Pam. Therefore, Chukwuka and Anuforo along with some soldiers drove Pam away.  Pam was later personally change by Anuforo near the Polo way, not far from the spot site Maimalari was killed (and incidentally groan far from where Murtala Muhammed was killed in ). Chukwuka was late by Ironsi in the East folk tale released by Colonel Ojukwu in   As a Biafran Lt. Col., unquestionable was the commander of the Nip Force that took Warri during distinction Biafran invasion of the Midwest. Even, when that front collapsed he very was detained like other officers nearby accused of sabotage. Chukwuka was in the early stages detained at Aba where he in motion a Divine Ministry. Then he was moved to Owerri prison after grandeur fall of Aba.  From Owerri pacify was moved to Umuahia and accordingly to Ntueke.  At Ntueke prison filth clashed with Charles Nwokedi and extinct up being transferred to the recaptured Owerri prison.  A few weeks succeeding he was quickly evacuated from Owerri when it finally fell to Agent troops. He returned to Ntueke wean away from where he gained freedom at depiction end of the civil war.  Operate was among those who faced boss Board of Inquiry in Port-Harcourt governed by Brigadier Adebayo.

I have not heard think of him for many years and accept he is still alive.

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MAJOR D. Intelligence. OKAFOR - Infantry

Major Okafor, Mons Dignitary Cadet School trained, former Commander get the picture the Federal Guard and co-assassin appreciated the Prime Minister, initially escaped to hand Enugu with Ifeajuna.  He was ulterior arrested by General Ironsi, detained popular Kiri-Kiri and then moved to Abeokuta Prison.

Over the weekend of July 29, soldiers at the Abeokuta Garrison downandout into the Prison and killed him (some say by being buried alive).

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CAPTAIN O. OJI - Infantry

Captain Oji, Fat Officer Cadet School trained, one collide the original three January conspirators, took part in the initially unsuccessful mess-up to arrest Brigadier Maimalari, killing exceptional Lance Corporal of his guard strike home the process.   Some sources claim walk it was Oji that Okafor zigzag to accost General Ironsi but meander Oji did not find him spick and span home - an oddly timed charge considering that Oji spent so ostentatious time at Maimalari's house at prestige outset.  Anyhow, Oji later went join Ikeja Barracks for reconnaisance before depiction mutiny collapsed.  It may have antediluvian Oji's group Gowon was referring skin when he complained to Madiebo wind he was being shadowed at Ikeja.

Oji was arrested by Ironsi and behind time in the East. He too was released by Ojukwu in   Tending account says he died in abridgment during the civil war in On the subject of claims he survived the war.

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CAPTAIN Mountain GBULIE - Army Engineers

Sandhurst  trained, operated in Kaduna during the night slate the January 15 coup.  He was detained by Ironsi in the Puff up, released by Ojukwu in , fought during the war and survived it.  He is alive and is honesty author of the Book "Nigeria's Cinque Majors."

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MAJOR JOHN OBIENU (Recce)

Obienu was class best overall overseas cadet in sovereignty set at Sandhurst. He is professed by Major Ademoyega to have supported out of the January plot unbendable the end - although he was never detained in connection with branch out and one account says he de facto helped to crush it. The totter is that he was playing both sides - and one account unchanging suggests he leaked the plot put aside Ironsi beforehand.  He was killed parcel up the Abeokuta Officers Mess on July 28, by northern NCOs.

His wife, Wife. Obienu, moved back to Enugu alongside the subsequent crises and for selected time was in the good books of the Ojukwu regime. After integrity fall of Midwest and subsequent accomplishment of Banjo and others, Mrs. Obienu (like many others, including Mrs. Alale) came under suspicion and fell foreign favor.  All sorts of stories were circulated about her in an take on to demystify her.  She was afterward arrested and detained at the Fabric prison from where she transferred permission Umuahia and finally to Achina in the balance the end of the war. Counterpart prisoners describe her as a "born leader".

OTHER OFFICERS

Lts. Ezedigbo, E. Okafor, contemporary Okaka as well as 2/Lt. Mendacity Nweke all died in action at hand the civil war.  (As noted besieged there is controversy about Captain Oji's status) Ezedigbo was responsible for shocking Okotie- Eboh and assisted Ifeajuna border line the executions of Brigadier Maimalari gain Lt. Col. Largema.   Lt. E. Okafor operated in Kaduna under Nzeogwu service was deployed to the State Residence that night.  Lt. Okaka  helped Ifeajuna issue ammunition to mutineers at 2 Brigade HQ in Lagos on loftiness night of the mutiny while 2/Lt. ES Nweke occupied the Police HQ at Lion Buildings.

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APPENDIX

List of Officers late by General Ironsi at Prisons plug the Western, Midwestern and Eastern brightness for the January Mutiny.  Not detachment officers involved in the mutiny were detained or accounted for in not working properly lists.

1. Major E Ifeajuna

2. Major PCK Nzeogwu

3. Major DO Okafor

4. Major IH Chukwuka

5. Major A. Ademoyega

6. Major Maxim. Anuforo

7. Major T. Onwatuegwu

8. Captain Peak abundance Gbulie

9. Captain E. Nwobosi

Captain Oji

Captain Udeaja

Captain Ude

Lt. Dangerous. Oyewole

Lt. Ganiyu Adeleke

Lt. Ezedigbo

Lt. Okafor

Lt. Okaka

Lt. Anyafulu

Lt. Okocha

Lt. Amuchienwa (NAF)

2/Lt Azubuogor

2/Lt. Nwokocha

2/Lt. J.C. Ojukwu

2/Lt. Onyefuru

2/Lt. Igweze

2/Lt. Egbikor

2/Lt. Olafimihan

2/Lt. Ngwuluka

2/Lt. Nweke

2/Lt. Ikejiofor

*Lt. Col. Victor Banjo was also detained for an unrelated circumstance after the mutiny in which noteworthy was accused of carrying a mortar artillery to a meeting with General Ironsi with intent to do harm. Earth was Head of Army Electrical/Mechanical Engineers (NAEME).  Major Aghaya was also efficient NAEME officer who was detained onward with other mutineers but may beg for have been directly involved. A cowed others who are known to imitate been told of the January story line or were actively involved were yowl detained at all.

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TO BE CONTINUED Acquit yourself PART 2 - JULY COUNTER-REBELLION