(In Nigeria) Maryam Abacha Defends Late Husband, Denies Loot Claims on 27th Anniversary of His Death

 

Sani Abacha, the late Nigerian military ruler, has drawn significant attention across the nation following a poignant statement by his widow, Maryam Abacha, during an interview on June 8, 2025, commemorating the 27th anniversary of his death. Speaking at 09:09 AM WAT on this solemn occasion, Mrs. Abacha passionately dismissed long-standing allegations that her husband plundered public funds, branding them as “lies” and imploring Nigerians to stop perpetuating such narratives. She claimed that any funds her husband had preserved for the country mysteriously “vanished” within a few months after his demise in 1998, though she offered no details to substantiate this assertion. 

Her remarks stand in stark contrast to documented efforts by Nigerian authorities and international partners, who have successfully retrieved millions of dollars—termed “Abacha loot”—from foreign bank accounts linked to the former dictator’s regime. The interview, broadcast on national television and widely circulated on platforms like X, has sparked intense debate. Some citizens question the plausibility of her claims given the recovered assets, while others rally behind her, viewing it as a defense of Abacha’s controversial legacy. The discussion has reignited scrutiny of his rule from 1993 to 1998, fueling conversations about accountability, corruption, and the enduring impact of his administration on Nigeria’s economic history.

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