28 Years After: The Mysterious Final Hours of General Sani Abacha

In the early hours of June 8, 1998, General Sani Abacha collapsed inside Aso Rock. The nation had no warning. By dawn, Nigeria woke to a new chapter in its history. Abacha seized power in 1993 and ruled with an iron fist. He dissolved democratic institutions, silenced the press, and jailed dissenters. Yet he also paid down national debt, built foreign reserves, and launched a transition plan set for October 1, 1998. On June 7, he greeted a visiting head of state in Abuja. Some say a poisoned handshake triggered his sudden illness. The next night, his chest seized. No autopsy followed the rushed burial in Kano. Rumors of foul play filled the void. His death brought swift change. General Abdulsalami Abubakar took over, released political prisoners, and restored democratic rule. Billions stashed abroad were later returned. But after 28 years, the true cause of Abacha’s death remains unresolved.

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