Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recounted how he helped secure the return of São Tomé and Príncipe’s President Fradique de Menezes after a military coup removed him from power in 2003.

Obasanjo said de Menezes was in Nigeria as his guest when news emerged that military officers had seized power in the island nation.

According to a report by Arise News TV, Obasanjo said he assured the embattled leader that he would return home as president despite the upheaval in his country.

The former Nigerian leader disclosed that he personally accompanied de Menezes back to São Tomé and Príncipe, where he negotiated with the coup leaders.

Obasanjo said the intervention resulted in the president’s restoration to office following the brief military takeover.