By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed the long-running trial of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (retd), former Chief Security Officer to late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, over the murder of Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late politician and business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

In a unanimous decision delivered by a five-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Musa Aba-Aji, the apex court held that the Lagos State government had effectively lost interest in the prosecution and abandoned the matter, thereby warranting its dismissal.

Mrs. Kudirat Abiola was the wife of MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by the then military president, General Ibrahim Babangida.

Following the annulment, Nigeria was plunged into a nationwide political crisis marked by mass protests, civil resistance, arrests of pro-democracy activists and violent crackdowns by security forces.

Kudirat Abiola emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the struggle to actualise the June 12 mandate after her husband was arrested and detained by the military regime of General Sani Abacha.

She was assassinated in Lagos during the heat of the pro-democracy agitation, a killing that shocked the nation and became one of the most symbolic tragedies of the era.

Major Al-Mustapha, a powerful figure in the Abacha regime, was later charged by the Lagos State Government for allegedly masterminding her murder.

The case, which spanned several years and multiple legal twists, became one of Nigeria’s most high-profile and controversial murder trials, closely watched by human rights groups, civil society organisations and the international community.

However, in its ruling, the Supreme Court faulted the Lagos State Government for its failure to diligently prosecute the appeal before it.

Justice Aba-Aji noted that despite being served with hearing notices since 2020, the state government failed to file a notice of appeal and a brief of argument for a period spanning about nine years.

According to the court, such a prolonged delay amounted to a clear indication that the prosecution was no longer interested in pursuing the case.

The apex court further expressed strong displeasure that there was no legal representation for the Lagos State Government at the hearing, and that no explanation or information was provided to either the court or the respondent regarding the persistent absence.

Justice Aba-Aji held that nine years was more than sufficient time for any serious litigant to take the necessary procedural steps to keep an appeal alive.

However, the Supreme Court dismissed the case in its entirety, bringing a final legal closure to the trial of Hamza Al-Mustapha over the murder of Kudirat Abiola.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Nigeria Police to sustain peace and security across the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.

Governor Yusuf made this known during a courtesy visit to the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, at his office.

He said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the state government and the police command, as well as reinforcing mutual cooperation and understanding.

The governor noted that insecurity was one of the major challenges he faced upon assuming office, stressing that the situation has significantly improved under the leadership of CP Bakori.

He emphasized that Kano belongs to all its people, adding that political differences should never be used as an excuse to compromise security.

Governor Yusuf said politicians must rise above partisan interests when it comes to the safety of lives and property, noting that while political disagreements may exist, security issues must remain non-negotiable.

“As politicians, we may belong to different platforms, but on matters of security, we must unite under one umbrella for the good of Kano,” the governor said.

He further assured the police command of the state government’s moral and institutional support, adding that the people of Kano are fully aware of, and appreciative of, the efforts of the police in maintaining peace.

In his remarks, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, described the governor’s visit as a clear demonstration of his commitment, support, and goodwill towards the police force.

CP Bakori said the governor’s continuous support, encouragement, and guidance since his assumption of office have greatly contributed to the successes recorded by the command.

He reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to working closely with the state government to ensure sustained peace and security across Kano State.

The Commissioner of Police also used the opportunity to parade three suspects who allegedly killed a mother with her entire children in Dorayi-Chiranci quarters few days ago.

The Federal Government, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), have commissioned a Bilingual Education Boarding School in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State, as part of efforts to expand access to inclusive and quality basic education across Nigeria.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the project as a major investment in human capital development, social inclusion and regional stability. She said the school reflects the strong collaboration between the Federal Government, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the IsDB in addressing the educational needs of vulnerable and out-of-school children.

According to her, the bilingual education model integrates English and Arabic literacy with modern pedagogy, technical and vocational education, ICT-driven learning and safe boarding facilities. “Bilingual education strengthens communication, preserves cultural identity and enhances global competitiveness, while ensuring that religious knowledge is not pursued at the expense of modern education,” she said.

Professor Ahmad added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s education transformation agenda, which prioritises access, equity, skills development and strategic planning, while also supporting efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children nationwide.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said the commissioning of the school marked the opening of new opportunities for learning and national development. He said the state government had declared a state of emergency in the education sector and embarked on wide-ranging reforms to improve access, infrastructure and learning outcomes.

The governor noted that his administration had recruited more teachers, supplied thousands of textbooks, and invested heavily in infrastructure, including the construction of over 1,700 new classrooms and rehabilitation of existing ones across the state. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making education a top priority and ensuring that children from poor and vulnerable backgrounds have access to quality education.

In her address, the Executive Secretary of UBEC said the Kiru school is one of 30 bilingual model schools being constructed across nine states, including Kano, Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna and Niger. She disclosed that Kano hosts four of the schools, with others located in Doguwa, Ganduje and Ungoggo.

She explained that each model school has the capacity to accommodate over 1,000 students and is equipped with academic and administrative blocks, hostels, staff quarters, vocational centres, a mosque, water facilities and perimeter fencing.

The UBEC boss commended the Kano State Government for its support, particularly in land provision, security and coordination, and also praised the IsDB for its sustained commitment to education development in Nigeria.