Retired Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State General Sani Abacha, has refuted claims that the funds recovered by the Nigerian government were personal loots of the late general.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Democracy Day, monitored by our correspondent, Al-Mustapha asserted that the funds were intended as an economic empowerment initiative to support indigenous entrepreneurs and provide affordable goods and services, similar to Libya’s economic model under sanctions.

He challenged anyone to present documents signed by Abacha linking the funds to his personal bank accounts.

“The money was not deposited in Abacha’s name,” he said firmly.

Al-Mustapha claimed that after Abacha’s death, some beneficiaries of the initiative either diverted or withheld the funds, which are now being wrongly branded as ‘Abacha loot’.

He also addressed long-standing allegations surrounding Abacha’s death, drawing parallels with the mysterious demise of MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

He cited abnormal swelling of the heart and chest in both men as indicators of suspicious circumstances.

Reaffirming his political ambition, Al-Mustapha declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, stating that his bid this time is “serious and unwavering.”