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Nigeria Masterweb News Report

How they killed Abiola, by Zadok

lhis security officer in custody (Friday, 20th July, 2001)

By Kayode Matthew & Lemmy Ughegbe, Vanguard

 

ABUJA THE last moments of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola were relived publicly for the first time yesterday by the man who should know: Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Theodore Bethnel Zadok, who for the two years preceding the chiefs death was in charge of his security and welfare in government custody.

He was testifying at the Oputa panel sitting in Abuja where former DMI boss, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo also alleged massive looting of public funds by top officials of the Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Zadok in his evidence-in-chief at the hearing of the petition by Abiolas first son, Kola and physician, Dr. Ore Falomo, related how he was apparently handed away from Chief Abiola, and by the time he returned to him, he had been offered tea, only to be a few minutes thereafter.

reading from a prepared text, the police officer said: "I was posted to head the detention base of Chief M. K. O. Abiola with about thirteen (13) body guards under me. and since the day I took over the duties of the detention camp of Chief M. K. O. Abiola I was responsible for collecting the sum of N800,000 (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) quarterly from Major Hamza Al-Mustapha to the commissioner of police FCT command Abuja for his feeding. That is three times a day subject to what the wanted to eat. I also took care of his health by seeing the Doctor any time he complained of any illness. In view of this he never ate any food or drink any thing without me tasting it first before giving it to him to eat or drink.

"I always collected some money from the Chief Security Officer Major Hamza Al-Mustapha to buy toiletry fruit drinks, bedding and water.

"The Chief Security Officer Major hamza Al-Mustapha ordered me to give Chief MKO Abiola Koran and Bible for reading and I used to collect some money from the Chief Security Officer to buy some newspapers and magazines for the chief to read, and also give the chief some plain sheets for anything he might wish to write. My lord, Chief MKO Abiola never believed that I was a Security man who came to guide him but a son who came to take care of his father. I will like to support this statement with a written note written to me by Chief MKO Abiola.

"Before General Oladipo Diyas coup attempt, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, on the 10^th of December, 1997 ordered me to take Chief MKO Abiola to any safe place, preferably the commissioner of police guest house at Wuse. And after the said failed coup attempt Major hamza Al-Mustapha ordered me to move Chief MKO Abiola from the commissioners guest house to Kado Housing Estate popularly known as Jeremiah Useni Housing Estate Kado.

"On the 8^th day of June 1998 the day the Head of State General Sani Abacha died the chief Security Officer Major Hamza Al-Mustapha ordered me along with Lt. Ikilama to move Chief MKO Abiola from Kado Housing Estate to Gado Nasko Barracks and from there all the 13 body guards attached to me were withdrawn except the driver and leaving the soldiers of the Guards Brigade to take over the guard.

But I was still left behind to be bringing food to Chief MKO Abiola as usual from the police officers mess Wuse Zone 7. Chief MKO Abiola was informed of the death of General Sani Abacha and the appointment of General Abdulsalami Abubakar as the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief. he wrote letters to general Abdulsalami Abubakar and the service Chiefs gave them to me to Photostat them for him. He gave me some copies to give to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and passed the rest to the rest to the respective owners. After the expiration of the second quarter allocation of N800,000 (Eight Hundred Thousand naira) I approached Major A. S. Aliyu Chief Security Officer to general Abdulsalami Abubakar to collect the money for the next quarter he only told me he had heard me.

"On the day in question, the 7^th Day of July 1998 at about 11.30hrs, the Chief Security Officer to general Abdulsalami Abubakar Major A. S. Aliyu called me on the radio set, asking me to see him his office. I then proceeded in his office and he instructed me to bring Chief MKO Abiola to Aguda House for an interview to be hold by 1300 hrs.

"I then went back to the base and informed Chief MKO Abiola of the interview and he asked me whether Major Hamza Al- Mustapha was aware of the said interview, I told him didnt know because Major Hamza Al-Mustapha was busy handing and taking over but I would see if I could locate him to inform him.

"He asked me to bring his dresses which he would wear and also asked me to give him 30 minutes to enable him get dressed. At about 1230hrs the Chief Security Officer to general Abdulsalami Abubakar Major A. S. Aliyu came to the base. To the best of my knowledge, that was the first time he knew that place, wanting to know if we were ready and I replied him almost ready. As we opened the door the Chief was already waiting for us. Together we went out and headed to Aguda House, venue of the Interview.

"Before we all left the base, chief MKO Abiola was in sound and healthy condition. He did not complain to me of any illness. About 100 metres from the door stand of the Aguda House, the controller from the control room called me on the radio set and said, I quote, "30 BRAVO your LOG I answered ALFA GOLFF UNIFORM DELTA ALFA, HOTEL. And he said MAIG SERIA GOLFF from the OSCAR FOSTRO FOSTRO OF CHALIE OSCA GOLFF SERIA you should ROMEO PAPA TANGO to see the subject INDIA MIKE MIKE I answered RECEIVED."

Meaning 2i/c Prescort your present location. I answered Aguda House and he gave the message from the office of the Chief of General Staff and that you should see the Chief of general Staff Admiral Mike Akhigbhe immediately please and I answered noted please.

"As we arrived at the Aguda House door step, I led Chief MKO Abiola inside the house and I took permission from the Chief Security Officer to General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Major A. S. Aliyu in whose custody I left Chief MKO Abiola.

"He asked me to use his vehicle, leaving my vehicle at the door step where it was packed. I then took his vehicle as entrusted and left to see the Chief of General Staff Admiral Mike Akhigbe at about 1310hrs and I came back from seeing Admiral Mike Akhigbe at about 1350hrs, only to discover that my vehicle was not there at the packing spot. On arrival, I saw one of my Body Guards Sunday Pada standing by the side of the door. I asked him where they had gone. He replied me they were inside and that the Chief Security Office only sent my vehicle to Aso-Clinic and as I was about to enter the room, I met with the Chief Security Officer, Major A. S. Aliyu who told me that Chief MKO Abiola was not feeling fine and after taking a cup of tea he coughed and feel down.

"I quickly went inside and I saw Chief MKO Abiola lying on the floor facing down. I called him. for the first time he answered, and I lifted him up and turned him upside and called him again for the second time he did not answer. At that time doctor Sadiq Sani Wali from Aso Clinic arrived and about examining the chief. I told him we should rush the Chief to the clinic for proper treatment. Myself, the Chief Security Officer, Major A. S. Aliyu, Doctor Sadiq Sani Wali and the two white men standing lifted Chief MKO Abiola into my vehicle outside for onward movement to Aso-clinic.

Before getting to Aso-Clinic I saw Dr. Sadiq Sani Wali pressing his (Abiolas) stomach up and down a kind of resuscitating him. As we arrived the clinic, Chief M.K.O. Abiola was rushed to the Emergency Room where I stood by with the doctors including the two white men and the Chief Security Officer Major Aliyu until when Dr. Sadiq Sani Wali later confirmed to us that Chief M.K.O Abiola was dead.

"We came out of the Emergency Room and the Chief Security Officer Major A. S. Aliyu phoned the villa, I heard him saying to the ADC please, connect me to the Head of State I have an important message for him. For about three minutes they continued the discussion with the Head of State while he was moving towards his vehicle outside. So I didnt hear what he was discussing with the Head of State after the phone we both left for villa,

"The questions to ask are:

• Who gave Chief M.K.O. Abiola tea in my absence?
• Who tasted the tea before giving it to him?
• And in whose presence was the tea tested?

"The questions are for the Chief Security Officer to General Abdulsalam Abubakar; Major Aliyu to answer. And I want to testify before this Honourable Commission that on the 6^th day of July 1998 at about 2200hrs Kola Abiola the son to late Chief M.K.O. Abiola his step mother; and about three of his sisters were with their father at Aguda House until 0130hrs of 7^th July, 1998. I want to say categorically here that his father Chief M.K.O. Abiola was in a sound and healthy condition.

"Based on the statement made to the Commission by Femi Falana on the 5^th day of July 2001 that Chief M.K.O Abiola was driven from Kano State to Abuja where he said that the Chief fell inside the Black Maria four times before arriving Abuja is totally false, because to the best of my knowledge Chief M.K.O Abiola was never detained out of Abuja.

"On the 28^th day of July 1998, I collected from the Commander Brigade of Guard Gado Nasko Barracks the late Chief M.K.O Abiolas property and handed them over to Alhaji Babagana Kingibe on the 31^st day of July, 1998 who ordered his orderly Sergeant Mustapha Gana to check, sign and collect the property from me and he Babagana Kingibe made a contact call to the family of Chief M.K.O. Abiola to come forward and collect the said property.

After his evidence-in-chief, he was then cross examined by Mr. Femi Falana.

Falana: You said you were not retired, you were not posted and yet you have been on salaries. Since when have you been receiving salary without rendering services to this station.

Zadok: Since August 1 1998 on the day the personal assistant the former Inspector General of Police Superintendent Udi informed me in the villa that two officers from force CID Lagos were in the villa and that I should submit their names at the gate for them to see my OC. I submitted their names. When they entered, they told us they were taking over from us, without any written letter. I did not know that Major Aliu was aware of it. We were moved out of the villa without any document. Since August 1 1998 I have not worked in any police formation.

Falana: Were you close to Abiola in detention.

Zadok: Yes I was close to him.

Falana: What ailment did Abiola complained to your about?

Zadok: He complained of his high blood pressure.

Falana: You said on June 8 1998 your bodyguards were withdrawn and soldiers took over the protection of Abiola.

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: Did he write letters that you knew of while in detention?

Zadok: Yes, he wrote condolence letters to Mrs. YarAdua when General YarAdua died. Also when General Abacha died, he wrote condolence letter to Mrs. Abacha to be forwarded to General Abdulsalami Abubakar for vetting as he said two heads are better than one.

Falana: Do you know the contents of the letter?

Zadok: No, the letters were always sealed.

Falana: Is Major A.S. Aliu still in the army?

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: Were you with him when Commonwealth Sec. Gen. Emeka Anyaoku held a meeting with him?

Zadok: Yes I was there. They all took photograph together.

Falana: Had this ever happened before?

Zadok: No, it never happened before during his detention.

Falana: the photograph was to let everybody know that he was hale and hearty.

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: Was it to your knowledge that a foreigner was allowed to give food or drink to a detainee in Nigeria? (Find Out You Will Not Believe Your Eyes!!<=Story Link by NMW)

Zadok: To the best of my knowledge no foreigner had ever done this.

It was my duty to taste any food or drink before giving it to Abiola.

Falana: When Abiola was given tea to drink was the first time you never tasted anything given to Abiola to take?

Zadok: Yes it was the first time.

Falana: You normally tasted food or drink before you gave it to Abiola to prevent any harm done to your subject?

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: So, you were tricked to go and see Admiral Akhigbe?

Zadok: Maybe.

Falana: When you left Abiola with Major A.S. Aliu, you were confident that you were leaving him in the care of a competent person.

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: After his death what happened to his property he left in detention?

Zadok: I have a copy of the list of his property. I handed over his property to Ambassador Baba Gana Kingigbe who immediately called Abiolas family to inform them that Abiolas property were with him and they should come for them.

Falana: US official Dickering later addressed a press conference to say Abiola died of national cause.

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo said the day Abacha died, Bamaiyi said Abiola must also be killed is a similar way to balance equation.

Zadok: Yes, I heard it.

He was asked why he did not inquire from Major Aliu who gave tea to Abiola and he replied, "Major Aliu was the overall security office in charge of Abiolas detention. I did not have the gut to ask him. Who gave Abiola tea and whether it was tasted before giving it to him.

"Chief Abiola need to keep photocopies of his letters in his Bible and Koran. I did not have the time to go through them. But if the commission requests for them it will assist this commission greatly.

At the end of Zadoks testimony, Mr. Falana requested the commission to order the IG to give full protection to Zadok.

Gen Sabo also testified yesterday in respect of Chief Abiolas death.

Led by his counsel, Mr. Umar Shinthien, Brigadier-General Ibrahim Sabos evidence ran thus:

Shinttien: Brigadier-General Sabo, you told this commission in Lagos that apart from what you said then on Chief Abiolas death, you have more to say.

Sabo: Yes I still have a lot more facts on Abiolas death. I will also tender some documents here before this commission, while I will take the rest documents to Akanbis anti-corruption commission.

Shinttien: Tell this commission other facts you know.

Sabo: I said earlier that on June 8 1998 many things happened from the sublime to the ridiculous. The sublime has to do with the death of former head of state, General Sani Abacha while the ridiculous was on the threat to Abiolas life. I said in Lagos that General Ishaya Bamaiyi called me after General Abacha called me after General Abacha death and asked me where was Chief Abiola, I said I didnt know, that Major Al-Mustapha was the one keeping him. General Bamaiyi then told me dont you think that now that General Abacha is dead, Chief Abiola should be similarly killed to balance the equation? I looked for Major Mustapha and told him what Bamaiyi has said. I later learnt that Bamaiyi had told Mustapha the same thing because Mustapha told me he had been looking for me for the same purpose.

Major Mustapha in his evidence gave certain indicators on how General Abacha died and how Chief Abiola died. He said Abacha choked, jerked and foamed before he died Abiola also choked, jerked ,foamed and died. Sinde Bamaiyi used the word similarly, I think Abachas family should be interested in this because both died the same way.

Shinttien: When General Bamaiyi told you this and Mustapha confirmed he was told the something, what did you do?

Sabo: I advised that Abiolas location should be changed and he said he had done that.

Shinttien: Did you attend late General Abacha burial in Kano.

Sabo: No I didnt go because of the security of Abiola that was being threatened.

Shinttien: What happened after late General Abachas death.

Sabo: After Abachas death, there was a lot of clamouring as to who would succeed him. General Jeremiah Husseni was there clamouring to succeed Abacha and there were others. Then myself, General Magashi and Bamaiyi then met and decided that instead of deliberating on who would succeed General Abacha, succession by hierarchy should be followed with General Abdulsalami Abubakar as the head of state, General Bamaiyi, Chief of Defence Staff and General Magashi as chief of army staff, this was arrived at in order to shut out any bickerings. We then called General Abdulsalami for a meeting of the PRC. It was an extra-ordinary PRC meeting because it was not scheduled.

Shinttien: Did you inform General Abdulsalmi Abubakar of the threat to Chief Abiolas death?

Sabo: Before General Abdulsalami Abubakar was sworn-in as head of state, we all went to the villa where the body of the late head of state was lying and I told General Abdulsalami that General Bamaiyi suggested that since Abacha died, Abiola must also be killed. But General Abubakar said when they return from Kano, we would discuss further. He refused to do anything after he came back from Kano. I sent a message to him through AVM Idi-Musa that I wanted to see General Abdulsalam on the same issue but he refused to see me. I passed the information to Idi Musa that it was urgent and Idi Musa told me General Abubakar would listen to me when he returned from South Africa. He refused to see me until I was retired on July 10 1998, three days after Chief Abiolas death.

Shinttien: Did Major Mustapha know the whereabouts of Chief Abiola at this time.

Sabo: Mustapha did not know Abiolas whereabouts because he was arrested and detained. And since Mustapha was now out of the way, Abiola was open to any other person.

Shinttien: Is it normal for a detainees guard to be sent away and given tea in his absence?

Sabo: It is not normal and this is an indication of what happened later.

Gen. Sabo also alleged massive financial misdeeds by the Abdulkareem Abubakar government, saying:

"Before General Sani Abachas death there were bickerings from people including General Abdulsalami Abubakar that they were not being given any welfare. General Abubakar accused the service chiefs that they were the ones that had the resources but he did not have anything there was a time he asked Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim to give him N1 million urgently but Ambassador Ibrahim said he didnt have the money. And when Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar became the head of state, he was relieved of his appointment.

"When General Abdulsalami came to power, he exhibited an accumulated and accentuated thirst for money. I stumbled on some documents and video cassettes even while in retirement.

"There was the case of $40 million contributed by multinationals for General Sani Abachas transmutation to civilian president. I gave the cassette of his disclosure to help him clean the system not knowing that he would use it to clean me out of the system because three days later I was arrested. I urge the commission to investigate this money contributed by multinational towards Abachas self-succession.

"There was also the case of Engineer Buba Galadima, Director of NMA whom General Abdulsalami Abubakar directed to release N5 billion from the NMA to the minister through Chief Hope Ozodinma. But Galadima refused saying it was beyond his power to do so. That same afternoon, a lorry load of soldiers invaded his house managed him and took him to an unknown destination. He was ordered to put in his letter of resignation so as to look as if he resigned voluntarily but he refused and asked General Abubakar to fire him. He was fired and he was given two hours to vacate his official quarters.

"The N5 billion was to be shared like this: "1.35 to be given to the minister, Chief Hope would be given N265 million and $18 million would be given to General Abubakar. I have documents to prove this (He than tendered the documents).

"There is the issue of the printing of new naira denominations, of 100, 200 and 500. I shared Mustaphas opinions on this which he explained in his testimony that it was a booby trap for President Olusegun Obasanjo to fail. I have 13 documents to prove this which I shall tender, before this commission.

"When General Abacha was alive the idea of the printing of new naira denominations was mooted. Three companies bided for the contract - J.B. of Munich; Thomas & Co. Of London, and Bodous of Germany. They all submitted their quotations. They all agreed on $30 per one thousand pieces but General Abacha said it was too much. The agreement was not sealed before his death. When General Abdulsalami came on board, he said it should be printed at $45 per thousand. G & D was given the contract of printing and here was the company reputed for tax evasion. The company has offices in Germany, Greece, Spain, Belgium, Argentina and other places, but only has a liaison office in Nigeria. The company evaded tax to the tune of 2 million Dutch marks in Germany. This is the same company given the job to print the money I commenced investigations into the activities of this company but General Abubakar ordered me to stop it. All these were known to him.

"The NTA in its news at 7 and 9 p.m. on January 11, 2001 reported that a container load of fake naira notes was discovered in Jos and Maiduguri. This is what I am talking about.

"During Abdulsalamis time, our soldiers in ECOMOG were not treated well at all. General Victor Malu then ECOMOG Commander once had cause to complain of adulterated fuel sent to them. When the contract for the supply of food to our soldiers was changed, it was given to one lady, I will mention her name later.

When General Abacha was alive 45 dollars was approved a day for each of our soldiers but when Gen. Abubakar came to power he increased it. But instead of giving them the money, they were given the old rate, where is the balance?

"There is the issue of parting gift to each PRC member. N1 million was agreed as parting gift for each PRC member or 500,000 dollars. I inquired from two PRC members later differently. I asked them jokingly that I learnt you were all given ½ a million dollars as parting gift. Where is my own share now? But they told me it was only 50,000 dollars. So what happened to the remaining 450,000 dollars per each PRC member times the total PRC members?

Before General Abacha died, he left a foreign reserve of 9.7 billion dollars. There are papers to show this. But Abubakar claimed that only 7.17 billion dollars was left in the reserve what happened to the balance? This reserve that Abacha accumulated in five years, Abdulsalami depleted if in nine months.

"Eagle Square here in Abuja was being renovated yearly when General Oseni was FCT Minister. Consultants were appointed for the renovation at N230 million. But General Abdulsalami rejected this and opted for upward review of N2.3 billion as against N230m.

"Also through 59 million dollars he siphoned from government coffers he bought a house in London at 5 million pounds renovated it at 1 million pounds.

"Before General Abacha died he approved 66 million Dutch marks for the maintenance of Alpha jets and other aircraft. When Abubakar took over he wrote another memo for the sum of 44,275,000 dollars for the same maintenance. I would have wished he was here to cross check if this signature on these documents were his.

"There was also another memo from the CGS dated March 17 1999 at the injury time of the administration. There was request for the purchase of boats at 45 million dollars, purchase of amphibious plane at 21,747,660 dollars; and 5,000 rain coats jacket to cost 14,500,00 dollars. The normal cost of one rain coat to pocket were from rain is 45 dollar per piece and the total cost for the 5,000 rain coats should be 2,9000 dollars. It was signed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar to be purchased on ECOMOG issue, apart from the naval personnel that used to transport the food items, it was later given to merchant ships.

"There is the issue of Engineer Ibrahim Ali, MD of NPA. General Abubakar called him one day and told him since General Abacha did not give you free hand to do your duties, bring your quotation and I will give you the wherewithal to execute it. He brought it to Abdulsalami. He met Alhaji Gidado Idris, former Secretary to the Federation there. Abdulsalami approved it for execution but when Ali left Abdulsalami ordered Gidado Idris to fire Ali when Gidado wanted

to refuse, he told him that if he didnt do it somebody else would do it and that was how he was fired.

Shinttien: What did all these mean with respect to Chief Abiolas security.

Sabo: All these were to show that as Chief Abiola was to show that as Chief Abiola was in the custody of Abdulsalami, if Abiola was released, he would be demanding for his mandate and this will be unconducive for him to loot the countrys treasury. General Abubakar should appear before this commission to explain ,what happens to the depletion of the economy.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar set a booby trap for Obasanjos administration, I am not saying this to curry favour from President Obasanjo. Let us not deal only on the past of the late head of state.

Shinttien: In what other way to your knowledge has the General Abdulsalami Abubakar reduced the military to what it is now.

Sabo: Another way which General Abdulsalami siphoned money is the task force for the armed forces and the police.

On December 31 1997, N21, 270, 292,50 was disbursed to the armed forces and the police, I am not convinced the money was used judiciously, I have documents to authenticate this.

There is also the issue of N80m water project which was discarded by General Abdulsalami. He re-awarded it for 20 million dollars while 10m dollars was collected upfront. I am sure the balance was also given. I am not sure whether the water project was executed.

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Nigeria Masterweb News Report

Dateline: 21/07/2001 04:46:38

How Abiola was Killed In the course of cross examining ASP Theodore Zadok, late Abiola's Chief Security Officer while he was in prison, Lagos Lawyer Mr. Femi Falana read from a confidential document he obtained from the American Embassy. It was written by the former US ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Twaddel after Abiola's death it reads: "As we walked to the sitting arrangement, he allegedly bantered with Pickering recalling with precise detail their two meetings 17 and 18 years ago. Where they had occurred, the other persons present and the subject of their conversation. Abiola provided most of the detail. Pickering supplying other tit bits and leading recollections." Falana: Would you agree with me that Abiola was with his senses through out the duration of his detention to your knowledge? Zadok: Yes my lord. Falana: That is Twaddel. He also said that Abiola was given tea but that he didn't take it. Now the autopsy report prepared by their doctors, the doctors they flew in just listen to this. "After a few minutes in the meeting, he suddenly complained of illness. He was offered some tea which was poured by US embassy personnel." (Which US diplomat poured him the tea? Find Out now!!<=Story Link by NMW) To your knowledge as a senior security officer, do you know of any situation in Nigeria, where a foreigner had given tea or food or water to any detainee? Zadok: No, my lord. To the best of my knowledge, anytime I've taken Abiola several times to Aguda House for an interview and any time I got there, we have our personnel who are there in Aguda, it's their duty to prepare tea and they have to prepare this tea in my presence and once they taste it then it is my duty to taste it in front of Chief before I hand it over to him. Falana: Would you agree that since Abiola was detained, this was the only occasion you did not taste the tea he was offered? Is that correct? Zadok: It's very correct my lord. I used to buy water for Abiola. The whole water he drinks is Swan water. And there is never a time I just removed an unsealed bottle of swan water without opening it and tasting in his presence before passing the rest to him for drinking. Falana: Usually that is done by security men and women to prevent any harm been done to your subject. Is that correct? Zadok: Yes my Lord. Falana: Now you were tricked. Would you agree with me that you were tricked to the office of the Chief of General Staff so that you would not be around when that situation would occur, from the benefit of hindsight now. Zadok: It may be so but I had that confidence that I was leaving him with somebody more than me. Falana: That is Major Aliyu.. Zadok: Yes, my Lord. Falana: Now Abiola was arrested on 23 June 1994, to your knowledge, is that correct? Zadok: Yes my Lord. Falana: He was arrested in Lagos and detained for two days, are you aware of that? Zadok: Yes, my Lord. Falana: From Lagos he was taken to Gashua Prison in 1994, are you aware of that? Zadok: Not aware, my Lord.. Falana: From Gashua Prison he was transferred to Kano, are you aware of that? Zadok: Not, my Lord. Falana: From Kano Prisons he was brought to Abuja in a Black Maria were he was arraigned before a Federal High Court, are you aware of that? Zadok: I am aware of his arraignment, but not aware of from where he was brought. Falana: As a matter of fact you took his affairs in 1996. Zadok: Yes, my Lord. Falana: And for those two years you were fully in charge of him? Zadok: Yes, my Lord. Falana: Now officer, those documents you handed over to the government through Alhaji Kingibe, are you aware if those documents have been returned to the family? Zadok: My Lord, I have a copy of the properties here with me. Falana: Thank you very much. Zadok: When I met Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, in my presence he made a contact call with the wife of the late Chief telling her of some of the property that were in the possession Chief M K O Abiola that were now with him, and that he would like somebody to come forward and collect them. Falana: Now, do you have the inventory as you call it. Zadok: Yes, my Lord. Falana (addressing Justice Oputa) : Sir, we seek to tender the inventory...you have the request... Zadok: Yes, my Lord...yes, my Lord Falana: Reports for medical attention? Zadok: Provisions and medical attention.. Falana: We also seek to tender this... Zadok: You mean the properties? Falana: Yes Zadok: Why I handed them over to Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe was that, when the family of Chief M K O Abiola and the son came down to Abuja, I was told they were with him so I believed they had a cordial relationship. Falana: Between 1996 and 1998, that was the only time the family members were allowed to see Abiola, is that correct? Zadok: Yes, my Lord. Falana: Wont you therefore agree with me that they were allowed to see Abiola to bid him farewell? Zadok: Well, I wouldn't say.. Falana: But that was the only time? Zadok: I wouldn't say so. Falana: Now, if you wouldn't say so, let's look at this other scenario for this your subject. The head of the American delegation that met Abiola, Under Secretary Thomas Bickering,... Zadok: Yes, my Lord... Falana: ..Addressed a press conference in Abuja later that day, saying that Abiola died of natural causes, are you aware of this? Zadok: I'm not aware, my Lord. Falana: Are you also aware that before the so-called autopsy was carried out, the US President, Bill Clinton, said that he was sending a condolence message to Nigeria to and the family of Abiola because Abiola died of natural causes, are you aware of that? Zadok: I'm aware of it, my Lord... Falana: Yes...my Lord, that is all for this witness. Falana: You have been following the proceedings before this August commission, particularly with respect to Abiola's case? Zadok: Yes, my Lord. Falana: You know in Lagos, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo gave evidence to the effect that on the very day the Late General Sani Abacha died, that General Bamaiyi in Aso Rock to say, now that Abacha is dead, can't we also kill Abiola in the same manner to balance the equation? Zadok: I heard it, my Lord. Falana: When you later learned that Chief M K O Abiola died in those circumstances, won't you agree with me that he was killed from all the circumstances? Zadok: My Lord, that very particular time that this incident happened, in fact, I was not myself because as Abiola said, I am holding him as a father.. Falana: And he took you like a son? Zadok:(concurring) :...And he took me like a son... I want to tell you one story today. General Abdusalami Aliyu informed me that the same seventh day of July, by 4 O'clock... Falana: 1998? Zadok: 1998, that I should make arrangements for a plane to move Abiola to Lagos and that he would be free. So that is why I told you that I was not myself when I discovered that Abiola is dead on the same day. Falana: Officer, that plane eventually carried Abiola's dead body to Lagos. Zadok: Yes, my Lord. Falana: Is that your answer? What was carried to Lagos was Abiola's dead body.. Zadok: But not the same day because Abiola was kept like two weeks before his dead body was taken away Falana: Taken to Lagos...Now, you said you had to send to Aso Rock to fetch Doctor Wali, that is, from Akinola Aguda House. Didn't you have radio or walkie talkie? Zadok: My Lord, I didn't know why the Chief Security Officer had to do that because he was in the possession of cellullar, and Dr. Sadiq Wali was also in the possession of a cellullar and a telephone on his table at the Aso Clinic. So, why he decided to send a driver and vehicle to pick him, he is to answer the question, my Lord. Falana: Now, while this rigmarolling was going on, going to Aso Rock Clinic to bring the doctor, Abiola was reeling in pains on the floor? Zadok: Yes, my Lord. Falana: Finally officer, don't you agree with me that car, your own car, was left behind for the purpose of using it to convey Abiola to Aso Rock Clinic? Zadok: My Lord at... Falana: Because it was tinted. Zadok: Yes, my Lord. At any given time I have a security vehicle on the ground because of any eventuality. So, I wouldn't have even liked to use my vehicle to see Admiral Akhigbe because I have a BG ( body guard) who is behind and whom I can pass the same instruction to. Falana: Now, this other one you said. Who ordered the stoppage of the feeding allowance for Abiola? Zadok: I wouldn't say a particular person ordered it. As I said in my statement I do collect this money quarterly, and at the end of June, I expect another quarter to materialize. Falana: Yes, first week of July. But because Abiola was going to die on the 7th of July it was no longer necessary. Zadok: I wouldn't know. Falana: That General Abdulasalami and his CSO, Major Aliyu, should assist this commission by coming here to explain how Abiola died, won't you agree with me? Zadok: I think so, my Lord. Falana: Thank you sir. Yakubu Maikyau (Bamaiyi's counsel) on Zadok Maikyau: You said General Bamaiyi visited Abiola before he died. Zadok: Yes, he visited Chief Abiola before he died and I said so. Maikyau: Did he come alone or was he in company of the service chiefs? Zadok: He came in company of the service chiefs. Maikyau: You are sure he came in company of the service chiefs or he came alone? Zadok: I can't remember very well but I think he came in company of the service chiefs. Maikyau: What was Abiola's feelings after his meeting with Anyaoku? Zadok: Abiola was happy with the meeting with Anyaoku as they embraced and took photographs. Maikyau: Was General Bamayi with the American delegation when they visited? Zadok: General Bamaiyi was not around when the American delegation visited. Maikyau: Was General Bamaiyi in Agura House when Chief Abiola died? Zadok: No, he was not around. Maikyau: In other words, would you be surprised if you are told that General Bamaiyi was not in the delegation of the service chiefs when they visited Chief Abiola? Zadok: No. Maikyau: Are you aware that Chief Abiola wrote General Bamaiyi while in detention? Zadok: Yes. Maikyau: Do you know the content of the letter? Zadok: The letters were sealed before they were given to me, so I don't know the content. (Maikyau tried to tender a copy of the letter Chief Abiola wrote to General Bamaiyi but the commission said they had it in their possession) Chief Clement Akpamgbo (Mustapha's counsel) on Zadok Akpamgbo: Did Mustapha ever stop Chief Abiola's feeding allowance? Response: Major Mustapha never stopped the feeding allowance of Chief Abiola. Akpamgbo: Who removed the bodyguards you were working with? Zadok: The new CSO, Major Aliyu removed the bodyguards. Akpamgbo: Was Chief Abiola's movement out of his former detention center for his safety? Zadok: Yes, Chief Abiola's movement out of his former detention center was for his safety. Oumar Shitien, counsel to Sabo, on Zadok Shitien: Were you always in the room where these meetings you referred to were held? Zadok: Yes I was always in the room but my seat was far from where they discussed Shitien: Did you ever hear Chief Abiola say anything about his mandate? Zadok: In the meeting between Chief Abiola and Admiral Akhigbe, he repeatedly said he will never abandon his mandate. Shittien: You said that Chief Abiola wrote some letters, cast your mind back to the one dated 2/7/98 and tell us what you know about it Zadok: The letter dated 2/7/98 is where he regretted about the roles played by General Abacha and Yar'adua to betray him. It also contained request for approval of condolence letter to Mrs. Maryam Abacha. Shittien: What was his response after these meetings he had with the service chiefs? Zadok: Anytime a meeting is held with Abiola, I don't usually ask him the outcome but inside the car on our way, he will start by laughing and say look at these small boys. Shittien: Did you ask Major Aliyu in whose care you left Chief Abiola if necessary precautions were taken like another person tasting the tea before it was given to him? Zadok: Since Major Aliyu was the overall security officer, I did not have the guts to ask him if all precautions were taken. Major Aliyu should be called to explain. Shintten: You said Kola Abiola visited with other members of the family before Chief Abiola died. So what was his state of health? Zadok: Kola Abiola came with his sisters and one step-mother. Abiola started preaching to them from the Bible and the wife said, Bishop, we are not here for preaching but to know your problems. They discussed well. Shittien: You said Chief Abiola was detained at various safe houses? Zadok: Yes, he was detained at Apo, Asokoro, Wuse and Kado. We had different detention centres. On the last days we moved under heavy arms. Shitien: You said Chief Abiola used to write notes.. Zadok: Yes, he used to write notes in plain papers and in the open place which is the part of the bible. He used to ask me to Photostat his letters. Shittien: And you handed over these things to the family? Zadok : When I handed over the documents to Kingibe, there were none of those documents removed. Shittien: (Later read the note Chief Abiola wrote to General Bamaiyi) Falana: My lord, I ask this commission to protect this witness by directing the IG to protect him. I also pray that this commission should bring Abdulasalami Abubakar and his CSO, Major S. Aliyu should assist this commission by coming here to explain how Abiola died. (Colonel Richard Bangaje Tassah, who led the team that searched Major Mustapha's houses in Kano, Nguru and Abuja, gave evidence that he actually took away audio and video cassettes and every security-related materials found in Major Mustapha's houses. In all, he admitted taking away six Ghana-must-go bags, adding that "if you put everything recovered in Ghana-must-go bags, they may be up to 11. It contained video and audio cassettes and documents. I handed them over to Special Investigation Bureau, Military Police headquarters, Lagos. Asked by Falana who he specifically handed the items to, he replied: "I handed Mustapha and the items to Lt. Colonel T. Sani now retired. He said some of the cassettes were marked secret and that he did not know why they were asked to search Mustapha's houses from where arms, ammunitions and other military apparatus were recovered. After his testimony, Chief Akpamgbo asked the commission to order Lt. Colonel T. Sani to produce the items carted away to enable them put more facts before the commission.)

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Nigeria Masterweb News Report

Oputa: Susan Rice served Abiola his last tea, says Abdulsalami's CSO (Wednesday, 26th  September, 2001)

By Sufuyan Ojeifo & Lemmy Ughegbe, Vanguard

ABUJA MAJOR Abdulrasheed Aliyu, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the immediate past Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar told the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (HRVIV) in Abuja yesterday that the controversial tea taken by Chief M.K.O. Abiola shortly before his death in 1998 was personally served him by the then US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ms Susan Rice.

Ms Rice was on the American delegation that visited Chief Abiola in detention when he suddenly slumped and died.

Major Aliyu in his evidence-in-chief in respect of a petition filed by Mr. Kola Abiola, eldest son of the deceased politician gave a graphic picture of how Chief Abiola died but drew the ire of members of the commission when he consistently denied knowledge of the conditions of Abiola until death by saying" "I dont know."

That was after claiming that he was fully in charge of the up-keep of Abiola. Expressing the displeasure of the commission, its chairman, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa remarked:

"Major Aliyu, we have heard you; in your evidence-in-chief, you gave a vivid description of what happened to Chief Abiola and how he died. It is now time for you to be cross-examined and you go on saying you dont know.

"You were a Chief Security Officer and we have at least seen one and we can make our assessment of him. Dont tell us you are so daft. Please help us, help this commission. You keep answering I dont know. What do you know?"

Major Aliyu had informed the commission that "on 7th July, 1998 an American delegation came to see the C-In-C (Gen. Abubakar); the C-In-C called me and said I should make arrangement for the delegation to see Chief M.K.O. Abiola. I called ASP Zadok and told him to prepare Abiola to see the delegation at Aguda House.

"I went to where Abiola was detained and together we headed to Aguda.

"On our way to Aguda, there was a call requesting for the keys to office of the Chief of General Staff. I directed Zadok to go and attend to the CGS' request before he will come back. I instructed him to leave Abiolas car behind as if we finished before him with the delegation, Abiola would be taken back to his place.

"Members of the American delegation at the meeting were Thomas Pickering, Susan Rice and Ambassador Williams Twadell and at the meeting Chief Abiola cracked some jokes with them. When they asked him if he was in good health condition, Abiola said I am well expect for my swollen legs.

"At this juncture, the steward came in with some refreshment, tea and coffee. Pickering and Twadell took coffee, Susan Rice opted for tea while Abiola declined taking anything. After few minutes, Abiola started coughing continuously. Susan Rice urged him to take tea. I got up from the point I was watching with the intention to go and serve Abiola the tea, but Susan Rice, being the only woman present decided to serve him the tea and when she did I went back and sat down.

"Even after the tea, his coughing continued. He then went into the toilet and as I was about going in to meet him, he was coming out. He looked very tired and was sweating. He asked me if he could get his cough syrup and I asked the body guards to go and fetch Abiolas syrup. He then entered back to the delegation and said he was feeling cold. We put off the air conditioner, he then said he was feeling hot and we in turn, opened the windows.

"Susan Rice suggested that he be taken to the hospital and I called Dr. Wali on my mobile phone and told him there was an emergency that the chief was very sick and he should come immediately. It took him (Dr. Wali) exactly seven minutes and 40 seconds to get to us.

"When Dr. Wali arrived, Abiola was still lying on the floor coughing. We fanned him, put him in a vehicle and drove straight to the emergency ward in the Aso Clinic. All of us were in the room, we forgot about the protocol that this was an emergency room restricted to only doctors and nurses. We were all in there.

"I informed the C-In-C of Abiolas sickness and he was very worried. While we were there (hospital), I saw the CGS arrive without his cap and a driver; he was asking what is it? Not this hour. Seeing the condition he was in, I did not want him to give a wrong impression to our visitors, delegation, so I asked him to go back.

"I informed the C-In-C that the medical team was at work and he directed that we should contact Babagana Kingibe to bring the family to see what was happening to him (Abiola).

"At exactly 1 hour 20 minutes, Chief Abiola gave up and Susan Rice asked us to accept our (their) condolence. We have seen what happened and all the efforts you have made to treat him (Abiola). We knew they were going to leave the country and we wanted the news to first be broken to his (Abiola's) family before the press and so we requested the American delegation to allow us. She told us that there were pressmen scheduled to interview them at the airport when they arrived. She agreed to our request.

"When I informed Gen. Abubakar of the death of Abiola, he shouted: "Oh! my God! What can I tell his family? Susan Rice, being the only woman, offered to break the news to the family and she told them of the efforts we made to save them and as such said there was no foul play in his death.

"After Abiolas death the C-In-C ordered the Permanent Secretary, Foreign Affairs to procure some visas for American and British doctors invited to come and conduct an autopsy on his corpse. Dr. Wali told me that the family wanted an independent autopsy.

"I made arrangement for a Donia airplane and I ordered that the condition for their receiving the corpse of Abiola was only at night because the situation was very tense in Lagos. I ordered that ambulance and several vehicles be arranged. Nobody knew why except the Governor of Lagos. The reason was to divert attention.

"One of the multinational doctors came with Kola Abiola to Aso Rock and we released the corpse to them to go accompanied by Dr. Wali. They arrived Lagos at 3.30 and the autopsy was concluded at 6.00 a.m.

"During the autopsy, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was represented, the Federal Government was represented by Dr. Wali while Abiolas family was represented by his personal physician, Dr. Ore Falomo. After the autopsy, they issued a press statement.

"According to the international medical team's autopsy report, they discovered that Abiola had severe lung disease of the heart which could cause sudden death. They also discovered that he had narrowing and enlargement of the heart which could cause sudden death. The report therefore stated that a heart disease caused Abiolas death as he suffered a rapid deterioration of health due to chronic congestive heart failure because of long standing hypertension."

Under cross-examination by counsel to Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo, Umar Shittien, Major Aliyu who had, in his evidence-in-chief informed the commission that Susan Rice told Abiolas family that "there were no foul play," withdrew the statement.

According to Major Aliyu; "It was a slip. I am withdrawing that statement. Susan Rice never said there was a foul play. She merely condoled the family of Abiola, expressing the sympathy of the delegation."

Quizzed by the commissions counsel, Mrs. Chinwe Uwandu as to how he was able to keep a close tab on the time between when he called Dr. Wali to come and attend to Abiola and when he arrived, Major Aliyu responded:

"We were all very confused, I was so confused so I kept on looking at the time in anticipation of when the doctor would arrive."

Major Aliyu who had declared that he was in total control of matters relating to Abiola, however, informed the commission, that he never knew that ASP Zadok was to taste Abiolas food.

Aliyu, contrary to his earlier conviction that he believed in the autopsy report which attributed Abiolas death to natural cause, said during cross examination that the autopsy report could be faulty if it did not make any reference to the tea taken by Abiola.

Asked by a member of the commission to confirm if he meant that the autopsy report was faulty and as such the cause of cause of Abiola's death was unknown, Major Aliyu said he stood by the autopsy report.

During his evidence-in-chief, he said the international autopsy team spoke to the witnesses at the point of Abiolas death, denied speaking with any member of that team, even though he was a principal witness.

"I was not spoken to," said Major Aliyu.

Contrary to his statement that they made some request from the American delegation that visited Abiola, the then CSO to Gen. Abdulsalami said "no, we did not make any request from them. Susan Rice only offered to help break the news of Abiolas death to his family since she was a woman and as such understands women better."

Major Aliyu who had displayed sufficient knowledge and control of Chief Abiolas welfare while in detention has in his evidence-in-chief made a dramatic u-turn declining knowledge of the health condition of Chief Abiola.

Falana: "The doctors who conducted the autopsy said there was no food in his system when the intestine was broken, only mucus was found. When was the last time Abiola was fed?

Aliyu: I dont know. They normally feed him.

Falana: Did you know that Zadok was to taste Abiolas food?

Aliyu: I dont know.

Falana: Did you know that a detainees food is supposed to be tasted before it is given to him?

Aliyu: I dont know.

Falana: Who prepared the tea that was send?

Aliyu: The steward prepared the tea, a foreigner, Susan Rice served Abiola the tea.

Falana: As an intelligence officer, can you remember one incident when a foreigner served a detainee his meal?

Aliyu: I dont know.

Falana: Are you aware that Chief Emeka Anyaoku after his visit to Abiola addressed a press conference in Abuja saying that Abiola has given up his mandate?

Aliyu: No.

Falana: For a month, you looked after Abiola who were his doctors?

Aliyu: I dont know.

Falana: You said you were very close to Chief Abiola, did he tell you he had hypertension?

Aliyu: He did not tell me.

Falana: Do you know the doctor that gave him the drugs found on him?

Aliyu: I dont know."

The case was adjourned to October 3 when the commission is scheduled to give its ruling on whether representation of witness by counsel constitutes an appearance as being canvassed by counsel to some former heads of states.