Controversy Surrounds Chief Abiola's Death in Custody

Chief M. K.O.

Abiola declared himself President on June 12, 1994, following his victory in the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He was arrested by General Sani Abacha's military junta and charged with treasonable felony, enduring four years of incommunicado detention and severe health neglect.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who visited Abiola on April 27, 1998, reported his deteriorating health and called for his release, which was ignored. After Abacha's death on June 8, 1998, General Abdusalami Abubakar succeeded him and released other political prisoners but not Abiola, citing his refusal to renounce his presidential claim.

On July 7, 1998, an American delegation announced Abiola's death during a meeting. The Oputa Panel, established by President Olusegun Obasanjo, investigated human rights abuses and Abiola's death, but Abubakar declined to testify.

In his autobiography, Abubakar rejected poisoning claims, attributing Abiola's death to natural causes, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.