Another alleged coup plot gives Abacha a pretext

In 1997, General Sani Abacha's military government announced the discovery of another coup plot, this time allegedly involving Lieutenant General Oladipo Diya, his second-in-command, along with other senior military officers and civilians. The authorities used this alleged conspiracy as justification for a widespread crackdown, detaining numerous military personnel and civilians suspected of involvement or sympathy with the plot. Diya, who had served as Abacha's deputy and was considered one of the most powerful figures in the regime, was among those arrested.

This alleged plot emerged during a period of mounting pressure on Abacha's government from both domestic opposition and international criticism over human rights violations. Since taking power in 1993, Abacha had faced several real and alleged coup attempts, each providing opportunities to eliminate potential rivals and consolidate power. The military ruler had already executed Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni activists in 1995, drawing international condemnation, while pro-democracy groups continued to challenge his authority despite severe repression.