July 16, 2013
The Army authorities yesterday in Abuja said Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State General Sani Abacha, is free to return to his former unit after spending 14 years in detention over the alleged murder of Kudirat Abiola.
Justice Mojisola Dada of a Lagos High Court had on January 30, 2012 passed a death sentence on Al-Mustapha and Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan after finding them guilty of the murder. But in its judgment read by Justice Rita Pemu, the Court of Appeal in Lagos on Friday upturned the High Court judgment and acquitted and discharged Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan.
- NewsRescue-Jonathan Can’t Handle Boko Haram: Death for Wife Killer But Life for Boko Mass Murderers?
The Director, Army Public Relations Brigadier General Ibrahim Attahiru represented by Colonel John Agim said during a media briefing by the joint security media committee that Major Al-Mustapha has no case to answer and will return to his last unit and serve.
According to the Brig-Gen Attahiru, “with regard to Major Al-Mustapha, he is still in the army; his case is going to be handled by the army administratively in line with the conditions of service.”
However, the army officer said Al-Mustapha may likely be asked to retire because “he had exceeded five years on the rank of Major, which is the maximum. His age will also be factor to consider, because at his age now, he can’t be on the rank of a Major. The legal department will examine his case and advise the chief of army staff on what should be done.” http://dailytrust.info/index.php/top-stories/864-al-mustapha-can-report-to-his-duty-post-army
