Lagos faces criticism over abandoned Kudirat Abiola murder appeal
Family members, legal experts, and civil society groups have strongly criticised the Lagos State Government after the Supreme Court closed the murder case of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. The court found that the state failed to pursue its appeal against the acquittal of Maj Hamza Al-Mustapha (retd.) for nine years. The unresolved assassination of Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, continues to spark outrage. Critics argue that the state’s inaction represents a major setback in the fight for justice and democracy.
What we know
- The Supreme Court dismissed Lagos State’s appeal after it failed to act for nine years, despite being granted leave to appeal out of time.
- Kudirat Abiola was assassinated in Lagos on June 4, 1996, during protests against the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
- On January 30, 2012, a Lagos High Court sentenced Al-Mustapha, Mohammed Abacha, and Lateef Shofolahan to death, but the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction on July 12, 2013.
- Human rights groups and the Abiola family condemned the abandonment of the case, calling it a prolonged emotional ordeal and a denial of justice.
- Legal practitioners cited weak evidence and changes in government as possible reasons for the state’s failure to continue the appeal.
