Kudirat Abiola: I Hold No Grudge Against Anyone — Hamza Al-Mustapha Speaks Out After 28-Year Legal Battle

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to the late Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has expressed that the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss his 28-year-old murder trial of Kudirat Abiola is proof of his innocence.

Al-Mustapha stated that he holds no resentment towards anyone regarding his lengthy ordeal, which involved legal proceedings in the Lagos High Court, the Court of Appeal, and ultimately the Supreme Court.

In his initial response to the Supreme Court ruling of January 22, which brought his protracted case to a close, he appreciated the Federal Government for allowing the judicial process to take its course without interference.

In a statement issued on Friday, the retired military officer commended his family, the Nigerian people, and especially the judiciary for their steadfast support throughout what he described as a “harrowing, unforgettable, and traumatic journey that began as a joke but has now concluded on a very happy note.”

The 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”.