Popular Nigerian singer Niniola has opened up about the lingering trauma of witnessing the assassination of her father, Brigadier-General Simeon Apata (rtd.), nearly three decades ago.
The singer said the painful memory is one she can never get over.
General Apata, a respected retired officer of the Nigerian Army, was assassinated by gunmen on January 8, 1995, at his Lagos residence. His killing, which happened in the presence of his family, shocked the nation at the time.
Speaking in a recent interview with Jay On Air, Niniola revisited the dark moment that has continued to haunt her. She revealed that she was at home when her father was killed and described herself as his favourite child.
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“I was in the house when my dad was murdered. And I was his favourite child so you can imagine [the trauma]. Till today, I’m not over it. I can never get over it,” she said.
The award-winning singer added that although she was quite young when the assassination took place, the experience left a scar that time has not been able to erase.
“I was very young when it happened. I don’t remember my exact age then but it wasn’t a good memory,” she added.
The painful memory of General Apata’s assassination has not only lingered with Niniola but also with her siblings.
In 2023, her younger sister, Teni, who is also a popular singer, revealed how the incident left her traumatised.
Teni disclosed that she was just two years old when she saw her father being shot. Although very young at the time, she said the memory was etched into her mind and remains a source of pain.
Both sisters have spoken at different times about how their father’s death shaped their lives and careers. Despite their success in music, the trauma of that day continues to shadow their journey.
Brigadier-General Simeon Apata was a decorated Nigerian Army officer known for his bravery and contributions to the security of the country. After retiring from the military, he established Apata Memorial Schools in Lagos, a top private institution that has produced notable Nigerians across different fields.
His assassination in 1995 was a major blow to both his family and community. The identity and motive of the gunmen remain unclear to this day, and the mystery surrounding his death continues to deepen the pain felt by his loved ones.
For Niniola, music has become both a career and a form of healing. Since breaking into the spotlight with her unique Afro-House sound, she has consistently credited her upbringing and life experiences for shaping her artistry.
Songs like Maradona and Designer have earned her international recognition, but behind the success is a story of resilience and personal struggle. Her sister Teni has also followed in her footsteps, becoming one of Nigeria’s most celebrated music stars.
Despite their achievements, the sisters have never shied away from acknowledging the difficult past that shaped them. Their openness about the trauma also highlights the long-lasting effects of violence on families and children.
The assassination of General Apata remains one of the most shocking killings of the 1990s in Nigeria. His death robbed the country of a respected officer and left behind a grieving family that has carried the pain for nearly 30 years.
For Niniola, speaking about the tragedy is a reminder that certain wounds never fully heal. “Till today, I’m not over it. I can never get over it,” she repeated in the interview, underlining the depth of her pain.
Her story adds to the broader conversation about trauma, healing, and the lasting impact of violence on families. As she and her sister continue to thrive in their music careers, they carry with them the memory of a father who was taken too soon.
