REVEALED: Why Abacha Stashed Nigeria Money In Foreign Banks

Hamza Al-Mustapha, the chief security officer to the late head of state, Sani Abacha, said the the former military dictator decision to keep Nigeria money overseas was informed by the need to save for rainy days.

He said the despot, who died in 1998, kept the money overseas so that Nigerians would not suffer.

Mustapha made the disclosure in an interview with  BBC Hausa on Thursday.

Over $3.624 billion looted by Abacha has been recovered from four countries between 1998 and 2020.

Mustapha noted that the money stashed in foreign banks during the regime was a collective decision involving key stakeholders.

He said his principal was being vilified and maligned despite improving security and giving the country a good standing among the comity of nations.

“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.

Also Read: EXPOSED: Why Abacha Stashed Nigeria Money In Foreign Bank Accounts

“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”

He said Abacha raised the country foreign reserve from $2 billion to $9 billion but the money disappeared after his death.

Mustapha disclosed that those who were responsible for the disappeance of the money were walking free and remained untouchable.

“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.

Last month, President Muhammadu Buhari said close to $1 billion was stolen under Abacha.