Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Daniel Etim-Effiong, has recounted how his father, Moses Effiong, spent 34 years in prison after being linked to the 1986 Vatsa coup plot.
The actor disclosed this in a video interview with Diary of a Naija Girl, which began trending on Friday.
Etim-Effiong explained that his father, a retired lieutenant colonel, was arrested when he was just one year old, shortly after former military president Ibrahim Babangida assumed power from Muhammadu Buhari in 1985.
He said suspicions of a counter-coup later surfaced, with Mamman Vatsa, a close associate of Babangida, accused as the mastermind.
According to him, his father was not involved in the plot but was implicated after a colleague mentioned his name during interrogation.
He stated that his father’s arrest followed revelations from a detained associate who, under questioning, identified him as someone he had discussed the alleged coup with.
The actor added that his father was subsequently tried and sentenced to death by firing squad over allegations of complicity in a plot to overthrow the Babangida-led government.
He noted that his father narrowly escaped execution after being separated alongside two other soldiers from a group that was later executed.
He explained that while others were told they were being transferred, they were instead taken to the back of Kirikiri and shot, while his father and two others were left behind.
Etim-Effiong said the death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.
He added that Moses Effiong eventually spent 34 years in prison before receiving a presidential pardon in 2020.
The Herd and AMVCA Recognition
In a separate interview in October 2025, the actor described the reception of his film as exciting and humbling.
He expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback, noting that he had not received any negative reviews and enjoyed watching audience reactions in cinemas.
He also acknowledged the pressure associated with ensuring the film performed well commercially, particularly during its opening weekend.
Etim-Effiong added that limited marketing resources posed challenges, but efforts were ongoing to promote the film and attract viewers.