Seun Fadipe, a former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Lt-Gen Oladipo Diya, has shared details of a foiled plan to abduct former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in 1997.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political program aired on Channels Television, Fadipe revealed that Diya and his associates had allegedly planned to kidnap Abacha in Enugu and force him to resign. However, Abacha got wind of the plot and canceled his trip at the last minute.
Fadipe explained that while Abacha initially maintained a strong grip on power, his attempt to transition into a civilian regime led to political turmoil.
“There was a coup. Whether it was a phantom one or a setup is immaterial now because that was the issue I had with my boss until his death,” Fadipe said.
He further clarified his position, stating,
“At the time, I was a major. If I had wanted to be involved in a coup, it would have been a violent one because I had many seniors ahead of me. I never planned or intended to plan any coup, but I got entangled through my boss.”
Fadipe emphasized that the situation spiraled out of control as Abacha pursued his controversial transition agenda.
“Abacha was doing well, but because he wanted to transition to a civilian government, things went haywire,” he added.
