…Says he has forgiven his persecutors,
…..thanks judiciary, FG, Nigerians after 28 years of trial
Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has expressed relief and gratitude following the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the long-running murder case involving the late Mrs Kudirat Abiola.
Al-Mustapha, who spoke through a statement on Friday, said he had forgiven all those responsible for what he described as his “28 years of ordeal” in detention and trial over the June 4, 1997 killing of Mrs Abiola, wife of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.
Salient Times reports that the apex court on Thursday, January 22, 2026, brought the case to a final close, dismissing the charges filed against Al-Mustapha by the Lagos State Government.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji, held that the Lagos State Government had failed to diligently prosecute the matter, having abandoned the case since 2014.
The court consequently dismissed the suit in its entirety.
In its unanimous ruling, the panel ruled that the prolonged inaction of the prosecution amounted to a loss of interest in the case, thereby bringing an end to nearly three decades of legal proceedings.
Reacting to the judgment, Al-Mustapha said the decision of the Supreme Court had finally vindicated him, stressing that he had always maintained his innocence in the matter.
“With my innocence now established by Nigeria’s apex court, I have decided to forgive all those who masterminded my almost three decades of suffering,” he said.
He described his arrest and prosecution as a “harrowing and traumatic journey” that began in 1998 with what he called “trumped-up charges,” adding that the experience, though painful, had ultimately strengthened his faith.
Al-Mustapha said he bore no grudges against any individual or institution and was ready to move on with his life as a patriotic Nigerian.
“I am now ready to contribute my own quota to the well-being, development and advancement of Nigeria,” he stated.
The former CSO commended the Justices of the Supreme Court for what he described as a “painstaking and just judgment,” noting that the judiciary had lived up to its role as the last hope of the common man.
He also thanked the Federal Government for not interfering in the judicial process throughout the duration of his trial.
Al-Mustapha further expressed appreciation to Nigerians who stood by him during the long years of trial and incarceration, as well as to his parents, wife, children and other family members who, he said, endured harassment and intimidation during the period.
He also sympathised with the families of supporters and sympathisers who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the course of his prolonged court trial.
Calling for national unity, Al-Mustapha urged Nigerians to eschew bitterness and hatred, and instead work collectively towards building a better country.
“Together, we must strive in unity to make Nigeria the nation of our dreams for the sake of posterity,” he said.
