Hamza Al-Mustapha

Hamza Al-Mustapha: Biography and Profile **Early Life and Education** Major Hamza Al-Mustapha was born on July 27, 1960, in Nguru, Yobe State, Nigeria. He is a retired Nigerian Army major and security operative who gained national prominence through his military career. Al-Mustapha received his initial education in Yobe State before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna. He underwent rigorous military training, which prepared him for a career in the Nigerian Army. **Career Progression and Role in Government** Al-Mustapha rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, serving in various capacities. His most notable and controversial period of service was during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. From 1993 to 1998, Al-Mustapha served as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to General Abacha, a position that placed him at the heart of Nigeria’s military administration and security apparatus. His duties encompassed coordinating the security details of the Head of State and overseeing a powerful internal security team. Following the sudden death of General Abacha in June 1998, and the subsequent transition to the government of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Al-Mustapha was detained and later faced charges related to his activities during the Abacha regime. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Al-Mustapha's career is marked by his central role in Nigeria's political history during the 1990s. While controversial, his position as CSO demonstrated his influence and control over state security matters at the time. After years of legal battles, a major development occurred in 2012 when he was convicted of the murder of Kudirat Abiola (wife of M.K.O. Abiola) and sentenced to death by hanging. However, this conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in Lagos in 2013, which acquitted him of all charges, citing insufficient evidence. **Political Career and Current Status** Following his acquittal and release, Hamza Al-Mustapha became increasingly involved in Nigerian politics. He has since transitioned from his military background to a political one, demonstrating his continued desire for public service. He contested for the office of the President of Nigeria in the 2019 general election under the platform of the People's Democratic Movement (PDM). In the 2023 general election, he contested for president under the Action Alliance (AA) party. As of his current status, Hamza Al-Mustapha remains a political figure and an active commentator on national security and governance issues in Nigeria. He frequently engages in public discourse concerning Nigerian history, security, and the intricacies of the country's political landscape.