Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, first Nigerian President 
Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, leading assassin during the first coup of Jan. 1966 
Maj. Gen. A. Ironsi, first military ruler, killed during the second coup of July 1966 
Brig. V. Banjo, assassinated before the war for allegedly planning to overthrow Ojukwu 
Maj. Y. Danjuma, key player in July 1966 coup and Ironsi’s assassin 
Sir Ahmadu Bello, former Premier of the North, killed during the Jan. 1966 coup 
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, first Nigerian Prime Minister, killed during the Jan. 1966 coup 
Col. M. Muhammed, key player in July 1966 coup, executed in 1976 as military head of state 
Brig. Z. Maimalari, assassinated during Jan. 1966 coup 
Lt. Col. A. Fajuyi, killed during the July 1966 coup 
Gen. Yakubu Gowon became head of state after the July 1966 coup 
Maj. Emmanuel Ifeajuna, high jump gold medalist, 1954 Commonwealth Games, one of the ringleaders of the Jan. 1966 coup
