Former
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the administration
of General Sani Abacha, Lt. General J.T Useni, has advocated payment of
compensation to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha for being incarcerated for 14
years.
The
former Minister, who was reacting to the Court of Appeal ruling which
absolved the former Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Abacha of any
guilt in the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the presumed
winner of the 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale
(MKO) Abiola, said: “The judgment is good. For keeping him under lock
and key for 14 years, I think people should be happy that he has gained
his freedom in the end. So, I am happy and commend the courage of the
Court of Appeal for the action it has taken. I congratulate Major
Mustapha for his freedom.”
On
the effect of the judgment on the nation, Gen. Useni said it was just;
saying that no matter how long one had been in incarceration, one day
the person must regain freedom.
Useni
stated: “Once you believe in God and trust Him, you will one day regain
freedom. Some people it might be one month and they are discharged. How
can you account for the 14 years you have put this chap under lock and
key? So, apart from being discharged, he should even be compensated for
all those years lost.”
However, he urged the judiciary to ensure that it looked at every case in detail before passing judgment.
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