IBB want Al-Mustapha freed

Gen. Ibrahim Babangida

FORMER President Ibrahim Babangida has explained his call for the release of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

Al-Mustapha is on trial for the alleged murder of Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, whose husband, Chief MKO Abiola, died in detention contending for the validation of his victory in the June 12 1993 elections.

“ I think I need to explain the basis for the comments,” General Babangida said in an exclusive pre-70th birthday interview he granted Saturday Vanguard.

“Nigerians believe in justice. They also want to see justice being meted out to all. I made those comments on Al-Mustapha simply because he has been on trial for 14 years without a conclusion. The duration of the trial is a cause for concern,” he explained.

General Babangida continued, “Suppose he was tried quickly and he was to serve 21 years. Having spent 14 years, he would have been due for amnesty. He has spent 14 years and the case is still inconclusive. This has dragged on for so long, which is why I am making that appeal.

“My considerations are the length of time he spent in confinement. Suppose at the end of the day he is not found guilty? How do you compensate a young man who has spent 14 years of his life undergoing trial? Nobody even knows when the case will finish. He should be freed,” he said.

culled from  Saturday Vanguard.