On Friday, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the late General Sani Abacha, declared that the Supreme Court had upheld him in his trial for Kudirat Abiola’s murder.
Major Al-Mustapha said the Supreme Court had established his innocence in the murder charge after dismissing his trial on Thursday.
Major Al-Mustapha praised his family, Nigerians, and the judicial system in particular for supporting him during what he described as “a harrowing, unforgettable and traumatic journey that began like a joke; and which has finally ended on a very happy note” over the course of 28 years in a statement released on Friday.
Al-Mustapha claimed in the statement “Alhamdullilah, Alhamdullilah, All praises be unto ALLAH SWT, the Creator of Heavens and Earth” that he had no resentment toward anyone during his 28-year suffering and trial at the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court of Lagos.
“My fight with the forces of evil began in 1998 when I and others were detained and charged with false accusations by people who wanted to get rid of me and blackmail me for reasons that only they knew.”
To suggest that the subsequent 28 years of trial were delightful would be an understatement. However, all worked out perfectly in the Nigerian Supreme Court, to the credit of Almighty Allah.
“As a decent and patriotic Nigerian, I must put everything behind me, be ready, and move on with my life without holding grudges against any person or organization.
“What more can I ask Almighty Allah for than the compassion to pardon everyone who orchestrated my nearly thirty-year ordeal? The Supreme Court’s ruling has validated me and established my innocence. I’ve forgiven them all as a Muslim.
“I’m prepared to now contribute my fair share to Nigeria’s prosperity, growth, and progress.
“I will always be incredibly grateful to the distinguished and knowledgeable Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria for your careful and fair ruling. As the last hope of the average, unfortunate, and helpless man, you have my sincere gratitude.
“I also want to express my gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for not meddling in the legal proceedings throughout my court trial. I will always be thankful for this.
“I thank all Nigerians and those who supported me over these 28 years of hardship for your bravery and love.
“I’m thankful to my parents, who endured wanton abuse at the hands of people out to kill me. My spouse and kids, who also endured intentional harassment, are deserving of all the praise for persevering in the face of threats.
“I will always treasure your affection and concern. I am thankful to my brothers and sisters for supporting me during the illegal arrests and harassment I endured.
“It’s encouraging that your efforts have not been in vain for my friends who experienced illegal searches and abuses, as well as for my lawyers who experienced physical assaults, illegal break-ins, and burglaries of their rooms.
It has all been crowned by the Supreme Court ruling. Thanks to Allah!
“On a sad side, though, I recall all those who paid the ultimate price and other patriots who suffered life-threatening injuries throughout my more than 14-year court trial, especially from all of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
“I feel sorry for their relatives and other loved ones. Their efforts will not be in vain since they are heroes.
“At this point, I want to encourage all Nigerians to avoid harboring animosity and resentment toward one another. For the benefit of future generations, we should all endeavor to cooperate and work together to make Nigeria the nation of our aspirations.
“I express my gratitude to the Nigerian judiciary, the Federal Government, the Supreme Court, and all Nigerians once more. We will all work together to keep raising Nigeria’s profile. The statement read, “God bless you all.”
