Abdulsalami Breaks Silence on Abiola’s Death, Says Autopsy Ruled Out Poisoning - Newstrends
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Abdulsalami Breaks Silence on Abiola’s Death, Says Autopsy Ruled Out Poisoning

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Abdulsalami Breaks Silence on Abiola’s Death, Says Autopsy Ruled Out Poisoning
Late Chief MKO Abiola and Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.)

Abdulsalami Breaks Silence on Abiola’s Death, Says Autopsy Ruled Out Poisoning

Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has dismissed longstanding allegations that the late Chief MKO Abiola was poisoned, insisting that medical investigations conducted after the business mogul’s death concluded that he died of natural causes.

Abdulsalami made the revelation in Chapter 21 of his newly launched autobiography, Call of Duty, which was unveiled on Saturday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during events marking his 84th birthday.

The 264-page memoir provides fresh insight into the death of MKO Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, as well as other key events that shaped Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democracy.

According to Abdulsalami, allegations that Abiola was poisoned are not supported by available medical evidence. He stated that the family of the late politician requested an autopsy after his death and that a team of American, British, Nigerian and Canadian pathologists was assembled to conduct the examination.

“I do not believe Abiola was poisoned. The family requested an autopsy and we assembled American, British, Nigerian and Canadian pathologists to conduct it. The autopsy report attributed his death to natural causes,” he wrote.

The former military leader explained that Abiola had been dealing with health challenges long before his death, including hypertension and a heart-related condition. He referenced a radiology report dated September 28, 1994, prepared by Colonel (Dr.) O. Awofeso, then Chief Consultant Radiologist at the Nigerian Army Defence Hospital, Sokoto, which reportedly showed that Abiola had an enlarged heart and signs of hypertensive cardiac disease.

Abdulsalami recounted that Abiola died on July 7, 1998, while meeting a visiting United States delegation led by then Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Tom Pickering, and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Susan Rice.

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Drawing from Rice’s memoir, Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For, Abdulsalami said Abiola began coughing shortly after the meeting started. Rice reportedly noticed that Abiola’s ankles were swollen and that his coughing became increasingly severe during the discussion.

As his condition worsened, Abiola complained that he felt unusually warm and requested stronger air conditioning. A doctor was summoned and reportedly concluded that he was suffering a heart attack.

Abdulsalami also cited Pickering’s account of the incident, in which the diplomat recalled that Abiola developed breathing difficulties after visiting the restroom and appeared visibly distressed. According to Pickering, Abiola was moved to a couch, removed his shirt and asked for more ventilation before medical personnel arrived.

“A doctor arrived within 10 minutes and called for immediate hospital attention. We all helped to put him in a car. There was no ambulance immediately available. We followed him to the clinic of the Head of State of Nigeria, where doctors immediately began to work on him, but unfortunately their efforts were unsuccessful,” Pickering was quoted as saying.

The retired general recalled receiving the shocking news from his Chief Security Officer, Abdulrasheed Aliyu, who accompanied the American officials to the meeting.

“Aliyu, my CSO, called me. As soon as I picked, he said, in a shaky voice, that there was a problem. I asked: ‘What problem again?’ He said Abiola was dead. My head went blank,” Abdulsalami wrote.

He added that informing Abiola’s family was one of the most difficult moments of the ordeal, noting that one of Abiola’s daughters became overwhelmed with emotion and had to be comforted by Susan Rice.

One of the most significant revelations in the memoir is Abdulsalami’s claim that efforts to secure Abiola’s release were already underway before his sudden death. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who spoke at the public presentation of the book, confirmed that discussions regarding Abiola’s freedom had reached an advanced stage.

According to Obasanjo, Abdulsalami had maintained communication with members of the Abiola family, while Abiola’s son, Kola Abiola, was already in Abuja as arrangements for his father’s release progressed. The disclosure is likely to reignite debate over one of the most controversial chapters in Nigeria’s political history.

Abdulsalami argued that permitting the American delegation access to Abiola ultimately helped dispel conspiracy theories surrounding his death.

“If we had not allowed the American delegation to see him and he had died in custody, it would have been a different story. It would have been insinuated that he had long died and we were trying to cover it up,” he stated.

The former Head of State also disclosed that former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida never discussed the annulment of the June 12 election with him. According to Abdulsalami, despite widespread assumptions that he was involved in the decision-making process, he only learned about the annulment like many other Nigerians.

The retired general also used the memoir to refute allegations that he received $500 million following the death of General Sani Abacha.

“I want to put it on record that nobody gave me $500 million or any amount, bigger or smaller.

“Is it possible to collect half a billion dollars in cash and only one person in the world would know about it?” he asked.

He described the allegation as baseless and lacking any factual foundation.

Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12 election, remained in detention after declaring himself president in 1994. His death on July 7, 1998, barely a month after the death of General Sani Abacha, triggered widespread speculation and controversy, with many Nigerians believing he was prevented from reclaiming the mandate many considered rightfully his.

Abdulsalami later assumed leadership of the country and oversaw Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule, eventually handing over power to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.

With the release of Call of Duty, Abdulsalami has offered one of the most detailed insider accounts yet of the events surrounding MKO Abiola’s death, the June 12 crisis, and Nigeria’s return to democracy.

Abdulsalami Breaks Silence on Abiola’s Death, Says Autopsy Ruled Out Poisoning

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Osun govt accuses police of raiding SSG, commissioners’ homes without warrants

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Osun govt accuses police of raiding SSG, commissioners’ homes without warrants
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Osun State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan

Osun govt accuses police of raiding SSG, commissioners’ homes without warrants

The Osun State Government has raised alarm over what it described as the systematic invasion, surveillance and alleged attacks on the homes of top government officials by personnel of the Osun State Police Command, claiming that some of the operations were carried out without proper search warrants.

The government said the latest incident involved the residence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), which it alleged was invaded by a combined team of police officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, said the reported police operation resulted in the arrest of some family members of the SSG, who were allegedly taken to an undisclosed location.

Alimi said the incident followed similar police operations at the homes of about six commissioners and other senior officials of the state government.

According to the commissioner, the SSG was attending a stakeholders’ forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when police officers reportedly entered the residence. He added that ward officials were holding a meeting within the premises at the time of the operation.

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The state government also alleged that police officers had earlier raided the residence of the Osun Commissioner for Energy in Ikire, claiming that the property was searched and some items were damaged.

Alimi further alleged that several other commissioners had reported increased police surveillance around their homes, while some residences were reportedly entered despite no allegation of illegal activity being linked to the properties.

The commissioner said the government had received reports that some members of the Accord Party were being held at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Osun State Police Command and had not been granted bail.

He described the alleged raids and arrests as an attack on the Osun government and accused the police command of acting in a partisan manner.

“The campaign of repression constitutes a grave danger to democracy,” Alimi said, alleging that the police had become a tool in the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The Osun government argued that law enforcement agencies must operate within the provisions of the Constitution and remain neutral in political matters, particularly as preparations continue for the 2026 Osun governorship election.

Alimi warned that the reported operations could increase political tension and affect public confidence in the ability of security agencies to provide a peaceful and level playing field during the election.

He called on traditional rulers, the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and President Bola Tinubu to intervene and investigate the allegations.

The commissioner also urged relevant authorities to ensure that police operations in the state were conducted professionally, lawfully and without political bias.

According to Alimi, Governor Ademola Adeleke had repeatedly appealed to residents and political supporters to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands despite growing concerns over political violence and security-related developments in the state.

He warned that the situation could worsen if the allegations were not addressed, calling for urgent action to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

The Osun State Government said it remained committed to protecting the rights and safety of residents while urging security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities fairly and impartially.

As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had not publicly responded to the specific allegations concerning the reported invasion of the SSG’s residence, the alleged raids on commissioners’ homes or the claims involving members of the Accord Party.

Osun govt accuses police of raiding SSG, commissioners’ homes without warrants

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Benue killings: Police neutralise two suspected bandits after 13 die in Otukpo attack

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Benue killings: Police neutralise two suspected bandits after 13 die in Otukpo attack
Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu

Benue killings: Police neutralise two suspected bandits after 13 die in Otukpo attack

The Benue State Police Command has expressed regret over the killing of 13 people during a deadly attack on Efeyi Ugboju Community in Otukpo Local Government Area, saying two suspected bandits were neutralised during a follow-up security operation.

The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, when armed attackers invaded the community and allegedly targeted cattle belonging to a resident, Mr Peter Ambulus.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondona, the command said police operatives were deployed to the area after receiving a distress call.

According to preliminary police findings, the attackers rustled 20 cattle and opened fire on farmers they encountered while fleeing from the community.

The attack claimed 13 lives, according to the police. The incident caused fear and tension in Efeyi Ugboju and nearby communities, with residents expressing concerns over renewed attacks in parts of Otukpo Local Government Area.

Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, visited the affected community to assess the security situation and coordinate the response.

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The police commissioner subsequently led tactical teams on a coordinated clearance operation aimed at tracking down the attackers, recovering the stolen cattle and preventing further violence.

During the operation, the police team reportedly came under an ambush from suspected members of the cattle-rustling syndicate, resulting in a gun battle.

The command said two suspected bandits were neutralised during the exchange, while security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of ammunition.

Police said tactical teams were continuing to comb nearby forests and surrounding communities in search of fleeing suspects. The operation is also focused on recovering the stolen cattle and ensuring that everyone connected to the attack is identified and brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police condemned the killings and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He directed tactical and operational commanders to sustain the security operation until all members of the criminal group were apprehended.

The police command reassured residents that efforts were being intensified to restore normalcy and strengthen security in Efeyi Ugboju and surrounding communities.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating the fleeing suspects and supporting ongoing investigations.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue State, particularly in communities where residents have continued to report attacks and threats to lives, livelihoods and agricultural activities.

Police said the clearance operation would continue as investigations progressed, while security agencies work to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.

Benue killings: Police neutralise two suspected bandits after 13 die in Otukpo attack

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“God Revealed You’re My Wife”: Ghana Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Romance Scam

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"God Revealed You're My Wife": Ghana Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Romance Scam
Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng

“God Revealed You’re My Wife”: Ghana Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Romance Scam

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspected romance scammer, Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, for allegedly defrauding several women through false marriage promises and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, marking the latest in a series of high-profile cybercrime arrests in the country. The 35-year-old suspect was arraigned alongside his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, before the Accra Circuit Court 1 on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, with Kwarteng facing a further charge of non-consensual sharing of intimate images which the prosecution said would be tried separately at the High Court .

Preliminary investigations indicate that Kwarteng posed as a pastor conducting online church services on Instagram, where he targeted vulnerable women and claimed that God had revealed they were his future wives, a tactic designed to exploit the faith and trust of his victims. To gain their trust, he allegedly went as far as meeting their families and presenting them with promise rings to reinforce his claims of marriage, creating elaborate illusions of genuine romantic intent . Reports also suggest the suspect may have targeted victims in both Ghana and Nigeria, with allegations involving more than ten women, indicating a cross-border dimension to the fraudulent scheme .

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The suspect is also accused of obtaining intimate images from some victims and using them to blackmail them for money, leveraging their vulnerability and fear of exposure to extract financial payments . Additionally, he allegedly introduced some victims to a fake car tyre business, collecting thousands of dollars from them under the pretext of shipping and clearing containers of tyres, after which he became unreachable, leaving his victims financially devastated . Investigations further revealed that Kwarteng shared the intimate images of some victims with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, who is also accused of threatening the victims, demonstrating a coordinated effort to exploit the women .

Seven victims have so far reported the matter to the Police, with investigations indicating that the alleged offences date back to 2021, suggesting the suspect operated undetected for several years . The prosecution told the court that the complainants include an ambassador and businesswomen, with reported losses including US$33,000, US$4,000, GHS25,000, GHS22,000, and other foreign currencies, highlighting the significant financial harm caused by the scheme . Police believe there could be more victims who have not yet come forward and have appealed to anyone who may have experienced similar incidents involving the suspect to report to the nearest Police station .

The court remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng into Police custody to reappear on August 6, 2026, while Sally Akosua Amoasah was granted bail of GHS100,000 with two sureties and ordered to report to investigators every Monday and Friday, conditions designed to ensure her availability for ongoing investigations . The prosecution also informed the court that Kwarteng is wanted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in connection with separate investigations, suggesting the suspect may have been involved in other criminal activities beyond the romance fraud allegations . A video also surfaced on social media showing Kwarteng on a date with one of his alleged victims, discussing engagement ring sizes, further corroborating the allegations against him and providing visual evidence of his deceptive tactics .

The Ghana Police Service continues to receive complaints from other possible victims and has urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with individuals on social media who make extraordinary claims or solicit money for business ventures, particularly where relationships are built primarily through online interactions . Police have also advised the public to verify the identities and backgrounds of individuals they meet online, especially those who request financial assistance or intimate images .

“God Revealed You’re My Wife”: Ghana Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Romance Scam

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