The Lamido Crescent, Nasarwa GRA, Kano, Family House of the convicted former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, Hamza Al-Mustapher almost went into violent protest at the weekend over the absence of the incarcerated military officer in his mother’s burial rite.
Hundreds of sympathizers that thronged the Al-Mustapher residence to witness the three-day Firdau prayers of Hajiya Fati Al Mustapha showed anger as emotions went high over what many of them describe as planned persecution of the family by the powers-that-be.
The Firdau prayers that attracted politicians, religious cleric, artisans was held at the home of the late Hajiya Fatima Al Mustapha located along Lamido Crescent, Nasarawa GRA Kano nearly degenerated into spontaneous protest as the absence of Major Hamza Al Mustapha absence dominated discuss.
Hajiya Fatima, the matriarch of Al Mustapha family died at the aged of 70 last Wednesday at the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano following the deteriorating state of health following the verdict of Lagos High court that sentenced her eldest son to death early in January.
The atmosphere at the family was charged as sympathizers most of them in tears could not understand while the authority failed to tamper justice with mercy to let go the once dreaded Major Hamza Al Mustapha pay his respect to the departed soul.
Major Hamza Al Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer CSO to late Nigerian maximum ruler General Sani Abacha was condemned to death by hanging by Lagos High court in January over his infamous role in the assassination of Kudirat Abiola, wife of presumed winner of June 12 Presidential election in 1993.
The condolence register at the family House further captures the mood of several Nigerian over the plight of Major Al Mustapha as inscription like “ free Al Mustapha, he has paid enough sacrifice”, “the failure of Government to allow this illustrious son join other members of the family to mourn the death of his mum is an attestation that somebody somewhere want him dead”, Haba Jonathan, free this man now and win our heart”.
The Spokesman of the family, Hadi Al Mustapha rose to contain the situation as he pacify well-wishers to “seek refuge with the Lord” at a trial period like this, adding that “we must not forget that destiny is playing its full role now”.
Hadi Al Mustapha in tears reminded the crowd that the family had since file an appeal contesting the verdict m of Lagos High court, adding that “I am confident that my brother, my family, and all of you here shall overcome this nightmare in not too distant future”
The younger Al Mustapha further tasked the crowd of sympathizer to resort to prayers as means of identifying with the family at this moment of crisis, stressing that “as a Muslims, we sincerely believe that Allah is a merciful lord and He would certainly listen to us”.
Hadi eloquent speech appears to have touched several heart t present at the ceremony as it was evidence that agitated crowd disappeared quietly without incidence.