How Abiola was Killed in Governnent Custody
Guest Columnist By Femi falana On June 12, 1994, Chief M. K.O. Abiola declared himself President on the basis of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which he won fair
On June 12, 1993, Chief M. K. O. Abiola emerged victorious in Nigeria's presidential election, which he claimed was conducted fairly. Nevertheless, the military junta led by General Sani Abacha detained Abiola, charging him with treason. For four years, Abiola was held in solitary confinement, enduring severe psychological and mental abuse.
Despite his health complications, he was denied medical assistance. In April 1998, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who had visited Nigeria at President Nelson Mandela's request, reported that Abiola's health and living conditions were severely deteriorating. The new head of state, General Abdusalami Abubakar, ordered the release of political prisoners following Abacha's death, but Abiola was not freed, as he refused to renounce his claim to the presidency.
Abubakar claimed that Abiola had managed certain medical conditions that endangered his life and refused to grant him access to medical care.
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