Hamza Al-Mustapha says Sani Abacha, the military dictator
who died in 1998, kept money overseas so that Nigerians will not suffer.
Over $3.624 billion looted by Abacha has been recovered from
four countries between 1998 and 2020.
Last month, President Muhammadu Buhari said close to $1
billion was stolen under Abacha.
While speaking with BBC Hausa on Thursday, Al-Mustapha, who
served as Abacha’s chief security officer, said the money stashed in foreign
banks during the regime was a collective decision involving key stakeholders.
“I have said it that there was a period Nigeria was to be
sanctioned. So there were plans to keep money overseas so that Nigeria and
Nigerians would not suffer when the sanction was imposed on the country,” he
said.
“We gathered emirs and chiefs from the south and from the
north, together with VIPs of that time; those in government and those not in
government. We met at a place called Camp Bassey Officers’ Mess in the Brigade
of Guards. It was there we deliberated on the threat to sanction Nigeria. Many
decisions were made.
“I am surprised by the way Abacha is being blackmailed. I am
surprised because when he assumed leadership, Nigeria had less than $2 billion
in the foreign reserve.
“But within four years and eight months, he raised it to
over $9 billion. After his death, all the billions vanished in nine months.
“The person that raised Nigeria’s image and enhanced
security is now the subject of insult. But those who shared the money he left
are still alive and untouchable.”
Al-Mustapha also said the late dictator survived eight coups
staged against him.
“Nigerians knew of only three coup attempts against Abacha,
but there were eight coup attempts. He died when they were plotting the 8th,”
he said.
The retired army major had earlier said only God would
reward Abacha for transforming Nigeria.
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