Human Rights, Justice and Peace Foundation

565 Pine Street, Brooklyn, New York

+ 1 646 204 3693

January 29, 2009

PRESS RELEASE

DEMAND FOR RELEASE OF MAJOR HAMZA AL-MUSTAPHA

advertisement

The Human Rights, Justice and Peace Foundation [HRJPF] expresses its disgust over the continued trial, without conviction or bail of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to the former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

Recall that since the return of civil rule in Nigeria, Al-Mustapha has been languishing in detention under the most dehumanizing condition and standing trial for allegedly attempting to assassinate Alex Ibru, the Publisher of The Guardian. All efforts made by his attorneys to secure his bail have proved abortive.

Although HRJPF is not opposed to bringing to book all characters suspected to be involved in the criminal murder and or attempted murder of opposition figures during the draconian reign of Abacha, it condemns the over nine-year trial, without conviction of Al-Mustapha. It does not only give the impression that Al-Mustapha might have been framed up but also portrays Nigeria as a no-respecter of human rights.

advertisement

It is HRJPF's studied opinion that the Federal Government (including the Obasanjo's administration that incarcerated Al-Mustapha) has been selective in its treatment of suspects? Mohammed Abacha, scion of late maximum ruler of Nigeria, was detained for alleged involvement in the murder of Kudirat Abiola, yet he was granted bail. Omisore was detained for alleged involvement in the killing of Ige, yet the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (Mr. President's party) fielded him as their senatorial candidate for the 2003 general election, which he emerged "victorious" and he was eventually discharged and acquitted. The immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, accused former Minister of Works and Housing, Chief Tony Anenih, of plotting to assassinate him, yet he (Anenih) was never arrested for interrogation. Former Chief of Army Staff, General Victor Malu, accused Obasanjo of engineering the Zaki Biam massacre, yet Yar'adua's administration has not arrested, let alone prosecute him (Obasanjo). Detainee Al-Mustapha alleged that former Military Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar, knew about the circumstances surrounding the death of M.K.O. Abiola, yet he has not been arrested, despite the gravity of the offence.

The question that readily comes to mind is: What informed the treatment given to the above, while Al-Mustapha languishes in jail? Is it not an application of double standards?

It is saddening that members of the civil society have been silent over this callous violation of human rights, a major factor that gave rise to agitations for the demilitarization of Nigerian politics. Could it be it was because Al-Mustapha served a man we all like to hate or not from southern Nigeria?

Otherwise, why hasn't the civil society demanded for the arrests and trials of all those that participated in the infamous regime of Abacha, including Abdusalami Abubakar? Why hasn't the civil society insisted on the trials of Anenih for allegedly plotting to assassinate Kalu and Obasanjo for the Odi and Zaki Biam massacre.

Since in the dispensation of justice all suspects should be treated equally, the HRJPF calls on Presiadent Yar'adua to tender justice with mercy by facilitating the release of Al-Mustapha. He has done it before. He did to Asari Dokubo. He also did for Ralph Uwazuruike. He can also do it for Al-Mustapha without losing anthing.

Comrade Chidi Nwosu,

President,