TheNewsGuru

Tag: Abacha

  • REVEALED: How Jimmy Carter visited Gen Abacha to plead for my release -Obasanjo

    REVEALED: How Jimmy Carter visited Gen Abacha to plead for my release -Obasanjo

    Ex-Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo has paid tribute to the late American President Jimmy Carter, recalling how the former US leader visited Nigeria to plead for his release during the reign of military junta leader Sani Abacha.

    President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life and to seek my release from prison. On President Carter’s visit to Nigeria, he got Abacha to agree to take me from detention to house arrest on my farm,” Obasanjo said during the event held at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    “But that did not last for too long. Many other friends and leaders intervened, but President Carter was the only non-African leader, according to my information, that paid a visit to Abacha solely to plead for my release.”

    The Abacha regime arrested Obasanjo in 1995 owing to an alleged coup plot. However, the former president was released after Abacha’s demise in 1998.

    The following year, Obasanjo became Nigeria’s president, elected under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “In the U.S., I called on President Carter, who told me all the efforts he made with other leaders and Abacha remaining unyielding for my release. But the most surprising thing Carter said to me was, ‘Please, see Ted Turner and thank him for his generosity. He came to me and asked me to get his friend, Obasanjo, released from prison. I will take care of him and his family here or wherever he chooses to live.’ I was touched and moved to tears,” the former president told the gathering, describing the late Carter as his friend whom he will miss.

  • Obasanjo to Gowon: “Many people pleaded on my behalf to Abacha but I was not aware you were among’

    Obasanjo to Gowon: “Many people pleaded on my behalf to Abacha but I was not aware you were among’

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has replied former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), who said that he (Gowon) pleaded with the late General Sani Abacha not to execute him.

    Obasanjo in response said many people had pleaded on his behalf but he was never aware of the fact that General Gowon was among.

    Recall Obasanjo was one of those imprisoned by the regime of Abacha over an alleged coup plot to overthrow Abacha.

    Speaking during the first ever Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival at 10 Commandments Prayer Altar in Du, Jos South LGA of the state, at the weekend, Gowon said he pleaded with Abacha to spare Obasanjo.

    Aside from Gowon and Obasanjo, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, former governors, Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, Boni Haruna (Adamawa State) were among dignitaries who attended the event which held from Friday to Sunday.

    In his remarks on his efforts to stop Obasanjo’s execution, Gowon explained that he wrote a letter to Abacha, telling him that God made him a leader to do good, not evil, and therefore sought clemency for Obasanjo.

    Aside from Gowon and Obasanjo, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, former governors, Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, Boni Haruna (Adamawa State) were among dignitaries who attended the event which held from Friday to Sunday.

    In his remarks on his efforts to stop Obasanjo’s execution, Gowon explained that he wrote a letter to Abacha, telling him that God made him a leader to do good, not evil, and therefore sought clemency for Obasanjo.

    He then expressed his joy that Obasanjo did not only leave prison after spending three years in prison before his release following the death of Abacha in June 1998, but went on to become the nation’s president in 1999.

    Reacting to Gowon’s revelation the next day (at the same Christmas carol), Obasanjo said he was not aware that Gowon made such effort until he mentioned it that day at the carol.

    He said he knows that many people made different efforts for his release and after that, he went round to thank them within and outside the country.

    “I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday he made a revelation and I have to thank you specifically for that. When I came out of prison, I had the opportunity to thank friends, inside and outside the country who contributed to appeal and pray for my release from prison.

    “And I went round the world thanking those that have been appealing and praying for my release from prison. But I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday; I thank you for that,” Obasanjo said.

    Meanwhile, he thanked Mutfwang for his developmental efforts and peace initiative and urged him to continue to do more for the people of the state.

    Recall that Obasanjo and former Head of State, Late Murtala Mohammed, overthrew Yakubu Gowon in a coup on July 29, 1975

  • Sani Abacha was obsessed with me – Wole Soyinka

    Sani Abacha was obsessed with me – Wole Soyinka

    Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has recalled his experience during the regime of late dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha.

    In an interview with TheNEWS to mark his 90th birthday, he said the former military president was ‘obsessed’ and ‘mad’ with him.

    “I consider it a bit of a miracle that I managed to survive that period. Because Abacha was mad. He was obsessed. He was really obsessed with me. Many people paid heavy price simply because they were associated with Wole Soyinka, and they were available,” he said.

    Soyinka shared a story about a driver who worked for Abacha and later approached his new boss, asking to meet Soyinka, the person who had given Abacha “such nightmares.” The driver had heard Abacha and his visitor discussing Soyinka and wanted to know the person behind the name that triggered such a strong reaction.

    “A story which I told the other day at The Metropolitan Club in Lagos was one of my favourite stories. A driver who was now working for yet another military officer had worked for Abacha. And he heard the host and the visitor talking about Wole Soyinka. It was the host who told me the story.

    He said, “After the visitor left, the driver went to his new boss and said, ‘excuse me sir, this Wole Soyinka you are talking about, is it the same one who my master used to talk about? Please, just do me one favour. I want to meet him.’ The boss said, Why do you want to meet him? ‘I want to know the person who gave my boss Sani Abacha such nightmares.’ He said, I want to know that person. Because anytime he heard the name Wole Soyinka, he went into a frenzy. Abacha was desperate.”

    Soyinka also revealed that Abacha’s regime set up fake consulates and trading companies to trap and monitor him and others in Atlanta. He revealed that he had to be accompanied by policemen when flying out and returning due to security concerns.

    “One was situated in Bayswater, where I used to stay, not far from where Muhammadu Buhari attempted to kidnap Umaru Dikko in the UK. It was purely to trap, to get hold of us. Several security units of police added us on their watch list. Afterwards, watching for us and for those who they were tracking. I wasn’t the only one.

    “In Atlanta, they set up fake consulate. We fought to make sure that the consulate in Atlanta, where I was teaching at Emory University at the time was not set up. The envelope that passed to some of the city counsellors was heavy. They admitted it. By the way, you know that I am an honorary citizen of the state of Georgia. And so, our American friends told these stories on the day of my investiture about what happened.

    “They eventually succumbed to the pressure to set up that consulate, that fake consulate. And the President of my university insisted— because he got his report from the secret service in the US— he insisted that any time I was flying out, I had to be accompanied by policemen. On returning, they would send the police to come pick me up right at the door of the plane. It was quite touching,” he said.

  • Supreme court rules in favour of proceedings to probe Abacha family

    Supreme court rules in favour of proceedings to probe Abacha family

    The country’s apex court, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed the bid by family members of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, following Government’s plan to reopen the criminal forfeiture proceedings against the ex-military general.

    The Federal Government is bent on re-opening probe targeted at some family members over their alleged complicity in looting the nation’s treasury during Abacha’s administration.

    According to Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court, the case brought before the apex court lack merit and substance.

    The Supreme Court upheld the judgments of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had earlier endorsed the power of the Federal Government to reopen criminal forfeiture proceedings against the family.

    The appeal marked: SC/641/2013 was filed by the eldest surviving son of the late Abacha, Mohammed and his brother, Abba (for themselves and on behalf of the family of Gen. Abacha).

    Listed as respondents are the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), DCP P. Y. Hana (Chairman, Special Investigation Panel), the National Security Adviser (NSS) and Magistrate Sonja Nachbaur (of the Principality of Liechtenstein).

     

  • I predicted ex-Nigerian Head of State, Abacha’s death – Pastor Ibiyeomie

    I predicted ex-Nigerian Head of State, Abacha’s death – Pastor Ibiyeomie

    Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries has revealed that he predicted the death of Former Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

    He also said Abacha died because of pride, as he exalted himself and gave not glory to God.

    Ibiyeomie, in his sermon on Sunday said there were several people in the Bible who met their Waterloo because they were proud, listing Herod, Ahithophel and others.

    “Do you know what killed Abacha? This was what killed Abacha (pride). Abacha was a one time Military ruler of Nigeria. I told my wife and some people that Abacha will die, I said this before he died.

    “I told them that he will die. I saw that he died, Sani Abacha. I saw that a palm tree fell on him when they were holding a meeting.

    “I said that this man will soon die. Most of you are young, you don’t know Abacha. This man, before they read network news, then they do read network news at 7am, they would sing for him. Everybody testify you’re good, you’re good Abacha, you’re good, Everybody testify you’re good, you’re good Abacha, you’re good.

    “They will sing this song before they read the News. I said this man is a dead man. God can never share his glory. I also sang Abacha, when they carry you from Aso Rock, you go know say you no good. Truly, they carried him with his casket. Please, avoid pride, pride makes you to be high minded,” he said.

  • Ex-Oyo, Ondo Military Administrator during Abacha’s regime, Ahmed Usman is dead

    Ex-Oyo, Ondo Military Administrator during Abacha’s regime, Ahmed Usman is dead

    A former Military Administrator of Oyo State, Colonel Ahmed Usman, is dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG gathered that Usman died around 3.00am on Wednesday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, during an illness.

    Usman was military administrator of Ondo State from August 1994 to August 1996.

    He governed Oyo from August 1996 to August 1998 during the military regime of General Sani Abacha.

    As the chairman of MILADS of the Odu’a states, he had a running battle with persons who bought assets of Odu’a companies, some of which were retrieved.

    Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has described Usman’s death a great loss to the country.

    The President’s condolence message was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled, ‘President Buhari mourns former military administrator, Colonel Ahmed Usman.’

    The statement reads partly, “President Buhari avers that as a military officer, the late Colonel Usman served the nation with courage and dedication, adding that his contributions to peace and unity, as well as his quest for public good, continued even in retirement.

    “As the President prays that Almighty Allah will repose the soul of the departed, his thoughts are with the government and people of Kogi State, where Usman hailed from, and with friends and colleagues, as they mourn this loss.”

  • How MKO Abiola, Tinubu, Afenifere begged Jakande to accept Abacha’s ministerial appointment – Family

    How MKO Abiola, Tinubu, Afenifere begged Jakande to accept Abacha’s ministerial appointment – Family

    More facts have emerged on how the late first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande was drafted to serve under the late former Head of State, Sani Abacha.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Jakande died peacefully in his sleep last Thursday, a day after revalidating his membership of the All Progressives of Congress (APC)

    Narrating what transpired as living witnesses, Head of the Jakande Family, Mr Kamaldeen Giwa and widow of the deceased, Abimbola said Jakande was persuaded by eminent Yoruba leaders at the time after severally rejecting the offer.

    The late Jakande was later Minister of Works and Housing under the Abacha regime.

    He was, thereafter, castigated for serving a military government that incarcerated Abiola for demanding the restoration of his June 12, 1993, presidential election mandate.

    Clearing the air on the issue when Afenifere, a pan Yoruba socio-political group, paid a condolence visit to the late Jakande’s Ilupeju, Lagos residence, on Wednesday, Giwa said leaders of Afenifere, including the late Adekunle Ajasin, appealed to Jakande to take up the ministerial nomination.

    Giwa, who said he witnessed the scenario, said: “Baba Jakande did not take any appointment on his own. It was with Bashorun Abiola that begged him to take it. I was at that meeting. Abiola came to this house around 2am with Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu) and I think Adefuye (Senator Anthony) and said Baba (Jakande), you have to take this position (ministerial). Baba said ‘no.’ Then, MKO begged all of us there to persuade Baba to accept. Before Bashorun (Abiola) left, he said ‘whether you (Jakande) like it or not, tomorrow, your name will be announced as a minister.’ When he left, we now started to talk to Baba to accept the offer. There is no single person at that meeting that did not beg him. He declined.”

    The late Jakande’s widow, Abimbola said the meeting took place on Friday.

    According to her, on Saturday morning, many prominent people came to Jakande’s house to persuade him.

    She said: “They took breakfast here and discussed the matter till Sunday. They agreed to put the matter to vote. All of them voted in support of him serving in the Abacha’s government. It was only one person, Yomi (Shakirudeen Kinyomi) that voted against the decision. Baba later said he will consider it. He later bowed to their pressure.

    “When Abiola told him to accept the offer, he called Baba Ajasin and Ajasin gave him the go-ahead. The people also nominated Babatope (Ebenezer) and Osomo (Mobolaji). Osomo was not around when they swore them in, so they did her own the following day.”

    Giwa urged Afenifere leaders to correct the wrong impression by immortalising the late Jakande.

    “I believe strongly that Afenifere should also pursue a course where his name will be immortalised,” he said.

    Chief Supo Shonibare, who led the Afenifere delegation, described Jakande as a selfless leader and rare being.

    The late Jakande’s vision for Lagos, Shonibare said, was beyond the comprehension of the people then.

    “He wanted to transform Lagos to compete with other big cities in the developed world, hence his Metroline project. He laid down the foundation for good governance,” he said.

    He thanked Alhaja Abimbola for standing by her husband.

    Also, All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Caretaker Committee, led by Babatunde Balogun, said the late Jakande lived a fulfilled and good life.

    Balogun said: “All the things he did are of benefits to many people. We would forever remember him for giant strides in infrastructure, education and many other things. Some of us are products of his free education,” he said.

     

  • Ireland to return €5.5m frozen Abacha loots to Nigeria

    Ireland to return €5.5m frozen Abacha loots to Nigeria

    Ireland has signed an agreement with Nigeria for the return of funds misappropriated by Nigeria’s former leader, the late General Sani Abacha, who ruled the country from 1993 until his death in 1998.

    The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) took part in an international operation linked to the case which led to the freezing of over $1 billion of assets worldwide, of which approximately €5.5 million was identified in a Dublin-based bank account.

    The funds were frozen in a bank account in Ireland by CAB in October 2014. After an application by the Nigerian authorities last year, the High Court earlier this year made an order providing for the return of these assets to Nigeria, subject to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two governments.

    Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the return of the assets would be “a concrete demonstration” of Ireland’s commitment to international cooperation in the fight against corruption.

    The MoU, a first for Ireland, is in line with its international obligations as a signatory to the UN Convention Against Corruption.

  • Why I referred to Abacha loot as “Abacha Assets”- Malami

    Why I referred to Abacha loot as “Abacha Assets”- Malami

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, has faulted those criticising him for describing the recently repatriated Abacha loots as “Abacha assets”.

    Malami in a statement issued by Dr Umar Gwandu, his Special Assistant on Media on Wednesday in Abuja said his attention had been drawn to the needless media hype relating to purported characterisation of the recovered assets associated with the former Head of State as “Abacha Assets”.

    He maintained that the choice of words was deliberate.

    “It is to be noted that by way of antecedence, I have been consistently describing the recovered funds as “Abacha loot” at several fora during the process of recovery particularly before the eventual repatriation of the funds.

    “The point needs to be made that when the seal of legitimacy was appended to the funds by way of repatriation it became an asset in favour of the Federal Government as a beneficial owner of same.

    “Beyond the issues of verbal dexterity and vocal acrobatics, Nigerians should focus more on the effective utilisation of the recovered funds in accordance with the content of the signed tripartite agreement in the interest of Nigerians.”

    He said that the use of the word `assets’ in relation to the post-recovery of looted funds is to qualify same as federal government assets.

    “It is palpable that news about successful return of the looted assets have brought nightmares to nay-sayers and pessimists who wanted to frustrate the repatriation process through a campaign of calumny.

    “They resorted to rhetoric instead of burying their heads in shame.”

    He said that the return of the looted funds demonstrated not only commendable efforts of the present government, but also a pointer to the level of confidence, trust and respect the international community accorded the Buhari-led Federal Government.

  • EFCC defends Magu over $300m Abacha loot allegation

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has referred as baseless allegation against its acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, by a U.S. senator, Charles Grassley, over 300 million dollars ‘Abacha loot’.

    The 86-year-old U.S.Republican Senator had on April 1, addressed a letter to the Chief Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the U.S.Department of Justice, Deborah Connor.

    He accused Magu of wrongly and maliciously detaining individuals, who spoke against the government.

    Spokesperson for the EFCC, Mr Tony Orilade, in a statement on Friday, however, decried the allegation, affirming that the Commission spearheaded transparent management of looted funds.

    Orilade said that the EFCC was at the forefront of the transparent management of recovered funds and would not be dragged into any controversy over an allegation that has no fact or any iota of proof.

    “”The allegation clearly has no bearing with the operations of the EFCC nor address the painstaking efforts of Magu in tackling the menace of corruption, without fear or favour

    ““The EFCC is involved in the processes of repatriation of the looted $300million by the former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

    ““The Commission is aware of the tripartite agreement involving Nigeria with the United States and Island of Jersey.

    “”As an anti-graft agency, the Commission has credible records of managing recovered funds and assets.

    “It is rather unfortunate that the ranking US Senator, in a desperate bid to frustrate the repatriation of the funds, embraced the well-worn antics of some unscrupulous elements in the country.

    “Those who had never succeeded in blackmailing the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “”Even the harshest detractors of Magu know and always acknowledge his firm and bold handling of the anti- corruption fight, which continues to earn him accolades within and outside Nigeria, ” he said.

    Orilade pointed out that the U.S.Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently gave an Award of Excellence to Magu for his unique role in a joint field operation codenamed, ‘Operation Rewired’.

    He stated that the operation yielded great results, internationally; in tackling the menace of cyber-crime.

    “”Besides, only recently, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN), and a member of the opposition, poured encomiums on Magu on the visible achievements of the EFCC under his watch.

    “Orilade quoted Adoke as saying: “President Muhammadu Buhari is highly celebrated for fighting corruption and the poster boy of this celebrated achievement is clearly Magu.”

    Orilade said that Grassley evidently lacked any sound basis for linking the EFCC and Magu with any oppressive or separatist agenda against government opposition.

    He noted that records of convictions of the Commission were in public domain as well as cases before the courts, which can be subjected to un-biased analysis and scrutiny.

    “”We wish to reiterate that the EFCC under Magu is too focused on the anti-graft agenda of the government to be distracted by such empty claims of the lawmaker.

    “”Grassley and his sponsors are clearly on quicksand on this issue.

    ““The Commission remains focused on its mandate against economic and financial crimes and will not be deterred by spurious allegations from individuals with hidden agenda,” Orilade said.