General Muhammadu Buhari's regime was overthrown by General Ibrahim Babangida. This happened in Nigeria in 1985, when Babangida staged a military coup and took control of the government. Buhari, who was then the head of state, was removed from power and held under house arrest for several years. Babangida ruled Nigeria as a military dictator until August 1993, when he was forced to step down following widespread protests and calls for a return to democratic rule.