In a rare public statement, Maryam Abacha, widow of the late Nigerian military ruler General Sani Abacha, has addressed long-standing allegations surrounding her husband's financial dealings. Speaking in an exclusive interview with TVC, Mrs. Abacha refuted claims that her husband looted Nigeria’s treasury, instead asserting that the funds he set aside for the country mysteriously disappeared after his passing.
During the interview, Mrs. Abacha challenged the narrative that her husband stashed billions abroad, demanding concrete evidence to support such claims. She stated, "Who is the witness of the monies that were being stashed? Did you see the signature or the evidence of any monies stashed abroad? And the monies that my husband kept for Nigeria, in a few months, the monies vanished. People are not talking about that."
Her remarks come amid continued discussions about the Abacha loot, a term used to describe funds recovered from foreign accounts linked to the late ruler. Since 2020, over $3.6 billion has been repatriated to Nigeria from various countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and France.
Mrs. Abacha also criticized the media’s role in shaping public perception, urging journalists to focus on educating and informing the people rather than perpetuating negative narratives. She expressed frustration over the continued scrutiny of her husband’s legacy, stating, "27 years ago and you are still talking about Abacha. He must be very powerful and loved by Nigerians. We thank God for that."
Her comments have reignited debates about Nigeria’s economic history and the impact of past administrations on the country’s financial stability. While some argue that Abacha’s tenure saw increased foreign reserves and reduced external debt, others maintain that his government was responsible for large-scale financial.