Claim: The first of six Nigerian military junta began in 1979 when General Yakuba Gowon overthrew Murtala Mohammed.
Evidence: Months later, in February 1976, Mohammed was assassinated by Buka Suka Dimka and others in a violent coup attempt, but the plotters failed to kill Olusẹgun Ọbasanjọ, who then succeeded Mohammed as head of state. Brigadier (later General) Murtala Mohammed succeeded Gowon.