Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (Rtd), former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to former Head of State. Gen Sani Abacha has thanked the Supreme Court of Nigeria for acquitting him of all charges on the murder case of late Mrs. Kudirat Abiola after 28 years of “trail and persecution.”
FACTSHEET reported that the Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed all charges against the former military officer on the case filed by the Lagos State Government alleging that Al-Mustapha was the mastermind of the killing of Mrs. Abiola during the protests that followed the annulment of the June 12 presidential election that was presumed won by Chief MKO Abiola.
In a statement he issued on Thursday after the apex court acquittal, Al-Mustapha while recalling his “traumatic” and “harrowing” experience for the 28 years his trial lasted stated that he has “put everything behind” him.
Expressing his gratitude, the former military officer acknowledged the Federal Government for not interfering with the trail.
He noted that he was still ready to serve Nigeria while reiterating his confidence in the Nigerian judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
His full statement reads:
All that is well ends well.
Alhamdullilah, the harrowing, unforgettable and traumatic journey that began like a joke about 28 years ago, has finally ended today on a happy note.
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 to also get rid of me for reasons best known to them.
Of course, it will be an understatement to say that the 28 years of trial that followed this was harrowing and traumatic for my family members and I. But to the glory of Almighty Allah, all ended well today at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
I have decided to put all that happened these past 28 years behind me, as I’m ready to move on with my life. I nurse no grudges against any individual or institution, regardless of my harrowing and traumatic experience these past 28 years.
Today’s Supreme Court verdict has vindicated me, proved my innocence; so what more do I ask Almighty Allah for than the heart to forgive all those who masterminded my almost three decades ordeal. As a Muslim, I’ve forgiven them all.
With today’s Supreme Court verdict, I have decided to put behind me all that has happened these past 28 years and move on with my life as a law-abiding and loyal citizen of our dear country, Nigeria. I’m ready to contribute my own quota to the well-being, development and advancement of Nigeria.
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. I thank you so much for living up to expectations as the last hope of the common, hapless and defenceless man.
I also thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for not interfering with the judicial processes while my trial in court lasted. I remain eternally grateful for this.
To all Nigerians and everyone who stood by me during these 28 years of ordeal, I salute you all for your courage and love.
At this juncture, I want to enjoin all Nigerians to eschew hatred and bitterness towards one another. We should all strive to work together, in unity, to ensure that Nigeria becomes the country of our lofty dreams for the sake of posterity.
Once again, I thank the Nigerian Judiciary, the Supreme Court, the Federal Government and all Nigerians. Together, we shall all continue to lift Nigeria higher and higher. God bless you all.
