Umaru Dikko

**Umaru Dikko: Biography** Umaru Dikko (31 December 1936 – 1 July 2014) was a prominent Nigerian politician and key figure in the country's Second Republic. Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Dikko received his early schooling in his hometown before furthering his education. Dikko was educated in Zaria and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of London. Before his political career, he worked for the BBC's Hausa service, where he established himself as one of the influential voices in northern Nigeria. His political career reached its peak during the Second Republic (1979–1983), where he served as the Minister of Transport under the administration of President Shehu Shagari. He was also a close adviser to the President. Dikko was a prominent and controversial figure known for his influence within the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) government. Following the military coup on December 31, 1983, which overthrew the Shagari government, Dikko fled the country. He became a high-profile target of the new military regime due to allegations of corruption and embezzlement. He is most infamously known for the "Dikko Affair" in 1984, an attempt by agents of the Nigerian government to secretly kidnap him in London and transport him back to Nigeria in a crate, which was thwarted by British authorities. After years in exile, Dikko eventually returned to Nigeria. In the years leading up to his death, he remained involved in politics, serving in various capacities within the democratic dispensation. Umaru Dikko died on 1 July 2014.