28 years ago, Nigeria was thrown into shock when General Sani Abacha, the country’s military Head of State, died suddenly at the age of 54.
For many years, wild rumours and conspiracy theories surrounded his death, with many claiming he died after an encounter with Indian prostitutes who allegedly gave him a poisoned apple. However, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), who served as Abacha’s Chief Security Officer, gave a detailed account of the events leading to the late leader’s death some years ago.
In a revealing interview with ThisDay Newspaper, Title: Al-Mustapha: How Abacha Died (June 16, 2021), Al-Mustapha dismissed the popular rumours as “a great lie” and “wicked insinuation.”
According to him, General Abacha’s health suddenly deteriorated on June 7, 1998, shortly after returning from the Abuja International Airport where he received visiting Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Al-Mustapha, who was with the Head of State until the early hours, stated clearly that no women were present with Abacha during his final moments.
Abacha was rushed back to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where his personal physician, Prof. Sadiq Suleiman Wali, was immediately summoned. The doctor administered treatment, including injections, but all efforts to revive him failed. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
The late Head of State was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites, with no autopsy conducted as requested by the family.
Al-Mustapha’s account has remained one of the most authoritative narratives on the controversial death that marked the end of Abacha’s regime and opened the door for Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
Abacha’s sudden death continues to generate debates among Nigerians even after nearly three decades, with many still fascinated by the mysteries and rumours that surrounded one of the most powerful and feared leaders in the country’s history.
What do you think about the circumstances surrounding Abacha’s death? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
