Al-Mustapha, Fmr Late Head Of State Abacha CSO, Recounts Trial, Says 28 Years Traumatic For Family, Associates

By Ayodele Oni

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha who was discharged and acquitted this week over the murder of late MKO Abiola ‘s wife, Kudirat, has recounted 28 years ordeal and trial lasted during which family and friends were humiliated for no just cause.

In his first reaction to the Supreme Court judgment of January 22 which terminated the charge against him, the retired military officer thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria for not interfering with the judicial processes while his trial in court lasted.

In a statement on Friday, Major Al-Mustapha applauded his family, Nigerians and especially the Justice system for standing by him through 28 years of what he called “a harrowing, unforgettable and traumatic journey that began like a joke; and which has finally ended on a very happy note”.

The statement is entitled  “Alhamdullilah, Alhamdullilah, All praises be unto ALLAH SWT, the Creator of Heavens and Earth”.

It read in part  “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 was enjoyable. But to the glory of Almighty Allah, all ended well at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“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.

“The 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.

“I’m ready to now 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.

“I’m grateful to my parents, who suffered from wanton harassment from forces bent on seeing my end. My wife and children who also suffered from deliberate harassments deserve all the commendations for standing firm, even in the face of all threats.

“I will forever cherish your love and care. My brothers and sisters, too, who suffered from illegal arrests and harassment, I’m grateful for standing by me all through.

“To my counsel who suffered physical attacks on their persons,  illegal break-ins and burglary of their chambers, and to my other friends who suffered from illegal searches and abuses, it’s heartwarming that your efforts have not gone in vain.

The Supreme Court verdict has crowned it all. Alhamdullilah!

“On a sad note, however, I remember all those who paid the supreme price and other patriots who sustained life-threatening injuries, especially from all the geo-political zones of Nigeria, in the course of covering my over 14-year court trial.

“I sympathise with their family members and other loved ones. They’re heroes and their labours shall not be in vain.

“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”, the statement said.