Al-Mustapha Was a Model Prisoner, Say Prison Sources

 

                                                                                                                                                          Former CSO: I have forgiven my accusers

By Chiemelie Ezeobi and Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the later military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, was a model prisoner. Throughout his 14 years of incarceration behind at Kirikiri Maximum Prison, he was said to have conformed to the rules governing the prison, a feat many prison sources have attributed to the military regimen garnered during his training and subsequent career as a military officer.

Aside his personality, which was described as exemplary, the major had also honed his skills in sports especially tennis and became a champion behind the walls. According to fellow inmates, the tennis aficionado was best described as a disciplinarian who also had a large heart to accommodate those who were in need of help.

Prison sources who spoke, but preferred not to be named, told THISDAY that the major had been known to have helped several inmates who were awaiting trial to secure their freedom by obliging them with his legal counsels.

When contacted, the Lagos State Prison Public Relations Officer, Biyi Jeje, said although he could not confirm such claims, he however corroborated the fact that the major played the role of a philanthropist to other inmates.

He described Al-Mustapha as a model prisoner throughout his stay behind bars, who adhered to the discipline instilled in him during his military training and career, and became quite skillful at tennis, a sport he knew nothing about before his incarceration.

He said: “He was a model prisoner who conformed with the rules governing the environment. He came into the prison without any knowledge of the sport but he now plays tennis very well.

“For some people, incarceration is enough punishment to transfer aggression but Al-Mustapha took it upon himself to help anyone in need to the best of his abilities.”

He, however, debunked claims that the major was treated preferentially from other inmates in the prison, adding that the prison staff might have accorded him respect because he conformed to the given rules and regulations. “He also acquired effective interpersonal communication with his fellow inmates. During his stay, his personal activities were modified to suit the expected and desired behaviour. He therefore conformed to the norms of the prison whilst there.”

He added, “He also has a highly outstanding personality make up. In fact, he was highly disciplined which is not surprising considering his military background."

He however dismissed allegations that during the former CSO’s stay, the prison experienced several attempted jailbreaks, inisting that nothing of the sort happened, as the prisons under the Lagos Command are heavily fortified with security personnel and apparatus.

He said: “The prisons in Lagos command are fortified with the physical presence of security personnel. We also have a good synergy with our sister agencies who support our already well-formed security formation.

“Our efforts to prevent jailbreaks have always been hinged on the tripod system which consist of the federal government which provides the necessary platform, the prison members of staff who tirelessly synergise, and the support from our sister agencies including the military and paramilitary bodies.”

Meanwhile, Al-Mustapha, who arrived Kano to a tumultuous reception and wept openly at the state Government House, while recalling his ordeal in prison, said his freedom was like a dream to him.

In an emotion-laden voice, he said: “It appears to me like a dream. Way back in 1998, I was here at Kano Government House in tattered cloth with chains all over me and I was then taken to my residence where they searched my house thoroughly.

“Here I am the same Al-Mustapha coming to Kano Government House as a free man and with happiness all over my face and the faces of relations, friends and other well wishers.

“I and Mohammed Abacha were charged for crimes that we knew nothing about and Abacha regained his freedom, while Almighty Allah destined that I should stay in prison for many years after his release.

“We have forgiven all those that had a hand in what happened to us. And we will forge ahead. During my stay in the prison, I was forced to see my father and my mother twice. I first saw my father in 2011 and secondly in May 2012. He died the same year. The last time I saw my mother was 2006. And she died last year. Let us forge ahead.”

Continuing, Al-Mustapha added: “Members of my family also faced all sorts of humiliation and bad treatment when I was in custody. There was even an attempt to kidnap my children when they were much younger.”

Kwankwaso, in his brief speech, explained that what happened to Al-Mustapha was a good lesson, not only for him and his family, but for all people that whatever happens to one was already destined by Allah.

“Let us also thank the Nigerian judiciary for the release of Hamza Al-Mustapha. It shows there are good people in the system. I am sure that Al-Mustapha is committed to his religion. And he is somebody who is well trained to accept fate.”

Al-Mustapha, THISDAY gathered, had secured his release at exactly 5.00 pm last Friday, when the giant gates of prison were flung open amidst tight security. The release of the former CSO was said to have allayed fears that he would not be released as had been ordered by the courts.

The major was driven out with security escorts drawn from Operation Mesa, a joint security outfit comprising the navy, air force, army and police, to Pastor T.B Joshua’s Synagogue of All Nations, in Ikotun area of Lagos State.

The heavy security around Al-Mustapha was put in place because of the perceived unpopularity of the Appeal Court’s judgment, which had acquitted him of the murder of Mrs. Kudirat Abiola, the slain wife of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief M.K.O Abiola.
The ruling by the Justice Amina Augie-led appeal panel had overturned that of the Lagos High Court on January 30, 2013, which had earlier sentenced Al-Mustapha and his co-convict, Lateef Shofolahan, to death by hanging.

Immediately the court judgment was read, it was gathered that the Controller, Nigeria Prisons Service, Lagos State Command, Catherine Nkolika Ononye, sent a directive for security to be beefed up at the prison and its environs to forestall any protest.