Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has said after the Supreme Court dismissed his trial in the murder of Kudirat Abiola, that the verdict confirms his innocence and Nigerians should shun resentment.
Reflecting on the 28-year legal process that involved the Lagos High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, Al-Mustapha said he holds no grudge against anyone involved.
In a statement released on Friday, Al-Mustapha thanked his family, Nigerians and the judiciary for supporting him during the 28 years of his trial.
Reacting to the Supreme Court judgment delivered on 22 January, which ended the case against him, he thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria for respecting the independence of the judiciary.
Entitled “Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, all praise be to Allah SWT, Creator of the heavens and the earth”, the statement recalled how his ordeal began in 1998, when he and others were arrested and charged with what he described as fabricated charges.
“The 28 years that followed were difficult. Yet, by the grace of Allah, the Supreme Court has reached an appropriate conclusion,” he said.
He further said, “As a Nigerian, I am determined to leave the past behind and move forward without resentment.
The Supreme Court has convicted me and proved my innocence. My prayer is for the strength to forgive those responsible for this tragedy and I have forgiven them all.
He also expressed his desire to contribute to the development of Nigeria.
Al-Mustafa thanked the Supreme Court judges for their decision and the federal government for allowing the judiciary to function independently.
He also thanked Nigerians, his family, legal team and friends who supported him during the trial.
He remembered those who lost their lives or were injured while covering his case, calling them heroes.
He said with a message of unity: “I urge all Nigerians to put aside hatred and work together to build a country for future generations.
Once again, I thank the Judiciary, the Supreme Court, the Federal Government and all Nigerians. Together we can continue to lift Nigeria up. God bless you all.”
