General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria's former Head of State, ruled the country from 1966 to 1975. His tenure was marked by significant events, including the Nigerian Civil War and the country's oil boom. However, his leadership was also marred by corruption, mismanagement, and power struggles.

By the early 1970s, discontent with Gowon's rule had grown among the military and civilian populations. The economy was stagnant, corruption was rampant, and the government was seen as ineffective. A group of middle-ranking military officers, led by Colonel Joe Garba, began secretly plotting against Gowon.

On July 29, 1975, while Gowon was attending a summit in Kampala, Uganda, the plotters struck. Colonel Garba and his team seized key government installations and radio stations, announcing the overthrow of Gowon's government. The coup was swift and bloodless, with minimal resistance from Gowon's loyalists.

Gowon's absence from the country proved to be his undoing. His decision to attend the summit in Uganda, despite warnings of a potential coup, allowed the plotters to execute their plan without opposition. Additionally, his government's unpopularity and the economic woes of the nation created an environment conducive to his overthrow.

Following the coup, General Murtala Mohammed, a respected and charismatic officer, was installed as the new Head of State. Mohammed's regime brought about significant changes, including a crackdown on corruption and the implementation of policies aimed at revitalizing the economy. Gowon, on the other hand, went into exile, eventually returning to Nigeria in 1983.