Abdulsalami Abubakar Insists MKO Abiola Died Naturally, Dismisses Poisoning Rumours

Former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar rejects claims that MKO Abiola was poisoned. He says an autopsy by American, British, Nigerian and Canadian pathologists attributed Abiola’s death to natural causes. In his autobiography Call of Duty, Abubakar recounts that Abiola collapsed during a meeting with US envoys Tom Pickering and Susan Rice on July 7, 1998. He highlights the late politician’s pre-existing hypertension and heart ailment dating back to his 1994 detention. Quoting Rice’s memoir and Pickering’s BBC interview, he describes how Abiola began coughing, suffered a heart attack and could not be revived despite immediate medical attention. Abubakar recalls breaking the news to Abiola’s family amid widespread speculation over the circumstances of his death. The retired general also dismisses rumours that he received $500 million after the death of General Abacha, calling the allegation “pure fantasy.” He goes on to reflect on his own role in transitioning Nigeria to civilian rule in 1999.

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