Al-Mustapha still in the Army; ...to be decorated as Brigadier General

The Nigerian Army High command yesterday insisted that the discharged and acquitted former Chief Security Officer to late General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, is still in service just as it is mulling whether or not to promote and retire him.

At a briefing by the joint security information committee, the Director of Army Public relations who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Colonel Joe Agim, said that Major Al-Mustapha, the Chief Security Officer to late General Sani Abacha, is still enlisted in the Nigerian Army.

“With regards to Mustapha’s release, well, I want to confirm that he is still in the army” he stated.

“The case is going to be handled by the army administratively in line with the harmonised terms and conditions of service.’’

He goes on to add that his case will be handled administratively by the Army in line with the harmonized terms of service.

Major Hamza al-Mustapha and Lateef Shofolahan were on Friday discharged and acquitted in the case of the assassination of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, which last 14 years.

Al-Mustapha who last wore the rank of Major would be decorated as a Brigadier General at the Army Headquarters where he is expected to resume duties on Wednesday, 17th July 2013.

Sources indicated that there was nothing unusual in the development as most of Al-Mustapha’s mates are already generals in the Nigerian Army.