Buhari Unaware of Sunday Igboho Raid – Tunde Bakare Reveals Alarming Security Breach
Buhari unaware of Sunday Igboho raid — that’s the revelation made by Pastor Tunde Bakare during a recent TV interview, shaking public assumptions about the controversial 2021 security operation. The outspoken cleric and founder of the Citadel Global Community Church disclosed that former President Muhammadu Buhari had no knowledge of the raid on Sunday Igboho’s residence in Ibadan.
Bakare shared these insights on Television Continental’s programme, Beyond The Headlines, aired Monday evening, describing a serious breakdown in Nigeria’s national security communication.
Bakare made this statement during a live interview on Television Continental’s programme, Beyond The Headlines, aired on Monday evening. His comments have sparked renewed debate about the oversight and coordination within Nigeria’s security architecture.
What Tunde Bakare Told TVC
During the interview, Pastor Bakare reflected on his interactions with Buhari, admitting that although he had often refrained from publicly criticizing the former president, the invasion of Sunday Igboho’s home was an exception.
“I was really livid, and I remember saying, ‘You will never see me again while ministering.’ And then he sent for me and said, ‘Do you know I knew nothing about it?’ I said, ‘I wouldn’t know. It’s under your watch,’” Bakare recalled.
Buhari’s Denial of Knowledge
Bakare’s account suggests a concerning disconnect between the presidency and the country’s security forces. According to the pastor, Buhari personally told him that he was unaware of the raid.
The implication is significant: that such a high-profile security operation targeting a well-known agitator like Sunday Igboho could occur without presidential approval, raising questions about command and control.
Rogue Security Agencies Acting Independently?
Bakare quoted Buhari as saying that some security agencies act independently, only to later claim they were executing instructions from higher authorities.
“There are so many things that security people would do, initiatives they would take, that they would now say they were acting on instruction,” Bakare quoted Buhari as saying.
This statement has raised fresh concerns over accountability within Nigeria’s security system, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), which was widely reported to have led the Igboho operation.
The July 2021 Raid on Sunday Igboho’s Residence
In July 2021, Buhari unaware of Sunday Igboho raid armed security operatives stormed the Ibadan home of Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, a leading figure in the Yoruba Nation self-determination movement.
The raid resulted in:
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The death of two of Igboho’s aides.
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The arrest of several supporters.
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Seizure of firearms and alleged charms.
Igboho later fled the country, was arrested in Benin Republic, and became the center of diplomatic and legal controversy.
At the time, many believed the Buhari administration ordered the raid, viewing it as part of a broader crackdown on separatist agitators.
Bakare on Buhari’s Economic Legacy
While discussing national issues, Bakare also addressed criticisms of Buhari’s economic policies. He admitted that some of the decisions made under Buhari’s administration have had long-term negative effects.
“General Buhari was not an economist. He had people that were in charge of that,” Bakare said.
“Yes, some of the economic decisions made back then—we’re still seeing the effect in our nation today. But it would be wrong to put everything on the head of one man.”
Condemnation of Corruption in High Places
Bakare did not mince words when speaking about corruption within government agencies, citing cases involving the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Pension Commission.
“I was totally livid when I saw the Accountant-General of the Federation milking resources. I thought he should be in jail,” he said.
He lamented how systemic corruption persists despite Buhari’s anti-graft stance, with individuals exploiting institutional loopholes for personal gain.
Systemic Flaws Undermine Presidential Authority
Bakare’s revelations paint a picture of a government where even the president was sometimes bypassed or kept in the dark, especially by powerful security agencies. This raises critical concerns about:
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Chain of command and communication between the presidency and security units.
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Accountability within the intelligence community.
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The real extent of presidential control over Nigeria’s internal operations.
Conclusion
The claim that Buhari was unaware of the Sunday Igboho raid—as stated by a close and trusted ally like Tunde Bakare—has added a new dimension to ongoing conversations about governance, transparency, and security in Nigeria. It also highlights the need for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent rogue operations and reinforce democratic accountability.
As the country continues to grapple with security challenges and economic uncertainty, voices like Bakare’s may help fuel a broader movement for reform within Nigeria’s political and security institutions.
