No Evidence Abacha Looted Public Funds – Wife Defends Late Military Ruler

Maryam Abacha, widow of former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has denied long-standing claims that her husband looted billions of dollars during his time in power, insisting that there is no evidence to support such accusations.

In an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday with Femi Akande, Mrs. Abacha described the allegations as unfair and driven by misinformation.

“The annulment was not done by my husband. And if it was him, then that means he was more powerful than the President at the time. That means Abacha was the greatest. But I’m not here to talk about Babangida or anybody. All I know is that my husband didn’t do it,” she said.

Addressing accusations of embezzlement, she questioned the validity of the narrative that public funds were looted and hidden abroad.

“Who is the witness of the monies that were being stashed? Did you see the signature or evidence of any money stashed abroad? And the money that my husband kept for Nigeria, in a few months, it vanished. Why are you blaming somebody?” she asked.

Mrs. Abacha also decried ethnic and religious divisions in national conversations, calling for greater unity and mutual respect among Nigerians.

“Why are we so bad towards each other? Because someone is a Northerner or Southerner? A Muslim or a Christian? It’s not fair,” she said.

On Nigeria’s security challenges, she expressed concern over the prolonged insurgency, questioning why a country with a strong military has struggled to overcome armed groups.

“I believe in our military. I know they have what it takes to tackle the insurgents. If ECOMOG could bring peace to other countries, why can’t we have peace here? The government must work hand-in-hand with the military to solve this,” she said.

Reflecting on her time as First Lady, she criticized the lack of policy continuity across successive governments and encouraged the current administration to sustain beneficial programs from previous regimes.

“Every government comes with its own programs. But if there is no continuity, there will be no progress,” she noted, highlighting the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission as a lasting initiative.

Defending the legacy of military administrations, she said military governments were often misunderstood but had clear direction and strength.

“No government can fail. Military governance is different, they have the will and the power. Maybe the civilians are not that strong. But the solution lies in cooperation,” she stated.

Mrs. Abacha concluded with a message of patriotism and responsible journalism.

“Let’s pray for our country. Let’s be good to our leaders and say good things. The press should be truthful and help build the nation, not destroy people’s reputations,” she said.