Maj. Hamza al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, has been compulsorily retired from the Army.     

According to a military official, his compulsory retirement arose from his unavailability in the Army for a period of over 14 years, while he was away to face trial over the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, a wife of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

He was sentenced to death for Kudirat’s murder on January 30, 2012, but he was discharged and acquitted on July 12, 2013 by a superior judgment of the Court of Appeal in Lagos.

The letter commended him for demonstrating “good conduct in the discharge of your duties” throughout his service in the army.

“You are authorised to retain your substantive rank of Major. You are also entitled to gratuity and pension as well as Certificate of Military Service and Retired Officers’ Identity Card.

“You are entitled to your ceremonial dress, service dress and mess kit. However, you should wear uniforms corresponding to your rank at the time of retirement only when you are invited for military ceremonies; military weddings; memorial services of National Day celebration and Regimental dinners.”


Punch