LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nollywood actor Daniel Etim Effiong has shared his father’s shocking past, revealing he was accused of plotting against former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida and later survived a death sentence.
During a recent podcast appearance, the actor spoke about how his father was arrested and tried over allegations of treason linked to a supposed coup plot.
Effiong revealed that he was still a very young child when the events happened. He explained that most of what he knows about the experience came from a detailed book written by his father.
“I was one year old when he was arrested and tried for treasonable offenses and coup against President Ibrahim Babangida,” he said.
Describing how the situation unfolded, he pointed to a close relationship between his father and another soldier, who had plans to start a coup.
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He explained that after his friend revealed the treasonable plan, his father was faced with a difficult choice. He was stuck between reporting his close friend or staying quiet and risk repercussions.
“His closest friend in the army had told him of plans that he had to kick Babangida out of power. So the big question for him was should he tell on his friend or should he not,” Effiong explained.
Shortly after, things quickly escalated and the alleged plot was uncovered. His father’s best friend was caught and during interrogation, he reportedly mentioned Effiong’s father.
“When his best friend was arrested, he was asked who he told and he mentioned my dad,” he said, explaining how that led to his father’s arrest.
Effiong revealed that for his part, his father was court martialed and sentenced to death by firing squad. Somehow, he survived the sentence but remained imprisoned.
“Of course my dad was arrested, tried and sentenced to death by firing squad and miraculously he survived that ordeal,” Effiong stated.
Despite the ordeal that put his family through years of pain, a turning point came and his father was released after Babangida left power in 1993.
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Notably, the filmmaker pointed to a major breakthrough decades later under the civilian leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari who offered a full presidential pardon for the crime and restored his father to his rank, along with benefits.
“In 2020, President Buhari officially granted him presidential pardon, his restoration of rank and entitlement. So all that gratuity was granted to him,” Effiong concluded.
Concluding, the actor revealed that his mother lost her life during the difficult period and did not get to witness the long-awaited recognition.
