Al-Mustapha Speaks After Supreme Court Ends 28-Year Kudirat Abiola Murder Case

The former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al‑Mustapha (rtd), has described the January 22 Supreme Court judgment that ended his 28‑year prosecution over the murder of Kudirat Abiola as a moment of forgiveness, closure and renewed commitment to Nigeria.

In his first reaction to the apex court’s ruling, which brought to an end a legal battle spanning the Lagos High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, Al‑Mustapha said the decision not only affirmed his innocence but also freed him from resentment.

In a statement issued at the weekend, Al‑Mustapha said he harboured no ill feelings toward any individual or institution and thanked the Federal Government for allowing the judicial process to run its course without interference.

“My battle with the forces of darkness started in 1998 when I, along with others, was arrested and arraigned on trumped‑up charges orchestrated by those who decided not only to blackmail me, but also to get rid of me for reasons best known to them,” he recalled.

Reflecting on the ordeal, he said, “Of course, it would be an understatement to say that the 28 years of trial that followed were enjoyable. But to the glory of Almighty Allah, all ended well at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

Al‑Mustapha said the apex court’s verdict allowed him to put the past behind him and move forward with his life without bitterness.

“As a good and patriotic Nigerian, I have to put all that happened behind me, gear up and get ready to move on with my life without grudges against any individual or institution,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of forgiveness, “The Supreme Court verdict has vindicated me and proved my innocence; so what more do I ask Almighty Allah for than the heart to forgive all those who masterminded my almost three‑decade ordeal. As a Muslim, I have forgiven them all.”

Al‑Mustapha expressed readiness to return to public life in a constructive way.

“I am ready now to contribute my own quota to the well‑being, development and advancement of Nigeria,” he declared.

He paid tribute to the Justices of the Supreme Court, praising their ruling as painstaking and just.

“To the eminent and erudite Justices at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, I remain eternally effusive in my gratitude for your painstaking and just judgment,” he said, describing the court as “the last hope of the common and defenseless man.”

Al‑Mustapha also thanked Nigerians who supported him throughout the trial, and his family, whom he said endured harassment and hardship.

“My wife and children, who also suffered deliberate harassment, deserve commendation for standing firm, even in the face of all threats,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by his legal team and associates, including “physical attacks, illegal break‑ins and burglary of their chambers,” and illegal searches experienced by friends.

In a sombre reflection, Al‑Mustapha remembered journalists and others who were injured or lost their lives while covering the long‑running trial.

“I sympathise with their family members and other loved ones. They are heroes, and their labours shall not be in vain,” he said.

Al‑Mustapha concluded by urging Nigerians to reject hatred and bitterness, and to work together for the nation’s future.

“Let us eschew hatred and work together in unity to ensure that Nigeria becomes the country of our lofty dreams for the sake of posterity,” he said.