Facts you probably never knew about Gen. Sani Abacha – How he ruled Nigeria, the billions he stole, how he died and more (With Pics)

In addition to this, the external debt of the country was reduced from $36 billion in 1993 to $27 billion in 1997.

The economy prowess of Abacha’s led administration became undisputed when it reduced an inflation rate of 54% inherited from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida to 8.5% between 1993 and 1998.

Interestingly, all these were achieved at a time when the price of crude oil was at an average of $15 per barrel.

Added to the above achievements, Abacha practically demonstrated the role of Nigeria as Africa’s giant by supporting the Economic Community of West African States.

He would also send Nigerian troops to Liberia and Sierra Leone to help restore peace.

However, despite these tremendous achievements, it cannot be refuted that Abacha’s administration was void of corruption.

In fact, in 2004, Forbes listed Abacha as the fourth most corrupt leader in history; after Mohamed Suharto of Indonesia, Ferdinand Marcos of Philippines, and Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now DPR Congo).

And this claim is being justified with reports stating that during his regime, he and his family stole a total of £5 billion from the country’s treasury.

Although some military generals like Gen. Buhari discredit the claim in 2008 during Abacha’s tenth-year remembrance, it has not changed the fact that he is still perceived as the country’s highest looter of all time.

Abacha’s death

Before his death in June 1998, Abacha had announced in early 1998 that with the intention to cede power to civilian rule in October 1, elections would be held that August. However, when in April of that same year Abacha had succeeded in forcefully conniving with the country’s five parties to endorse him as their presidential candidate, it became clear that the election would have no element of fairness.

But two months before the election, June 8 to be precise, Abacha passed away mysteriously in the Presidential Villa– Abuja. And in accordance with Islamic tradition, he was buried that same day.

Abacha’s death still remains a mystery till this day. And numerous are the stories that surround it.

Some say he was in the company of two Indian prostitutes imported from Dubai. Others said that he was poisoned with an apple.

But according to Al-Mustapha, Abacha’s Chief Security Officer, Abacha’s death was planned.

Here is his account:

“Contrary to insinuations, speculations and said rumours initiated by some sections of the society, I maintain that the sudden collapse of the health system of the late Head of State started the previous day (Sunday, 7th June, 1998) right from the Abuja International Airport immediately after one of the white security operatives or personnel who accompanied President Yasser Arafat of Palestine shook hands with him (General Abacha).