IRB – Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Author): “Information on events that occurred at the Ojo cantonment and the roles played by Major Edojak and Major Mukoro in those events [NGA15439.E]”, Document #1157033

Information on events that occurred at the Ojo cantonment and the roles played by Major Edojak and Major Mukoro in those events [NGA15439.E]

Information on this specific subject is unavailable to the DIRB in Ottawa; however, it may be of interest to note the events surrounding the 22 April 1990 coup by middle-ranked officers, which was considered the bloodiest in Nigerian history. It resulted in the arrest of over 200 soldiers, over 177 civilians and the death of several civilians and soldiers (New African 6 June 1990, 10; Africa Events June 1990, 8; West Africa 30 Apr.-6 May 1990, 696; Africa Confidential 18 May 1990, 2).

The leader of the coup was Major Gideon Orkar and the other coup participants included Majors Saliba Daddy Mukoro and G.T.O. Edoja, and a civilian, Chief Great Ogboru, described as a young multi-millionaire and the owner of the operational base of the coup participants (Africa Confidential 18 May 1990, 3; Africa Events June 1990, 8; West Africa 30 Apr.-6 May 1990, 697; West Africa 7-13 May 1990, 756). Africa Confidential also describes Majors S.D. Mukoro and G.T.O. Edoja, and Chief Great Ogboru as secondary school classmates (18 May 1990, 3). According to West Africa, Majors S.D. Mukoro and G.T.O. Edoja served in special duties at army headquarters (30 Apr.-6 May 1990, 697).

All the above-mentioned sources name Dodan Barracks, the seat of government and the official residence of successive military rulers, as the main area of activity during the failed take-over. Dodan Barracks was heavily bombarded. New African does mention that "there was serious shootout" at Ojo cantonment (June 1990, 10). However, the source did not state the involvement of any particular officers in the fighting at Ojo cantonment. The source reported only that the coup leader, Major Orkar, was based at Ikeja cantonment where two officers and six soldiers were reported killed (Ibid.). West Africa notes that heavy fighting took place around Dodan Barracks, Ikeja cantonment and Bonny Camp (7-13 May 1990, 756).

Africa Confidential reports that while Major Orkar was arrested, the three others, Majors S.D. Mukoro and G.T.O. Edoja and Chief Great Ogboru, were said to have left Nigeria (18 May 1990, 3). Furthermore, the three were not included in the number of coup plotters who were brought to trial on 21 May 1990 (Africa Events June 1990, 8).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find attached the list of sources consulted in researching this Response to Information Request.

References

Africa Confidential [London]. 18 May 1990. Vol. 31, No. 10. "Nigeria: More Questions Than Answers."

Africa Events [London]. June 1990. Vol. 6, No. 6. "Nigeria: Clampdown."

New African [London]. June 1990. No. 273. "Nigeria's Crazy Coup."

West Africa [London]. 14-20 May 1990. "DatelineNigeria: Coup Suspects..."

_____. 30 April-6 May 1990. No. 3792. "A Bloody Attempt."

_____. "DatelineNigeria: Civilian Coup Plotters?"

_____. "DatelineNigeria: Business As Usual?"

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