Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has said the events surrounding the death of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1998 felt suspicious.

He made the revelation in his new autobiography titled ‘Call of Duty’. Abacha died suddenly on June 8, 1998, while in power.

Abdulsalami described how he and the late Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi were locked inside a waiting room at the Presidential Villa for nearly an hour. They were later informed of Abacha’s death by the Inspector-General of Police. He said the strange situation left him with a feeling that something was not right.

The former leader recalled the confusion and quick moves around succession that followed the news. Senior military officers appeared more focused on who would become the next Head of State than on the burial arrangements. This happened even as they waited to see Abacha’s body.

Abdulsalami later chaired the Provisional Ruling Council meeting where decisions were made on the way forward. He eventually emerged as the new Head of State and oversaw Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.

His book has brought back memories of that turbulent period.

This revelation has stirred fresh conversations about one of Nigeria’s most talked-about events. Many people still wonder what really happened on that day. As more details from the book emerge, it serves as a reminder of the secrets and power struggles in the country’s past.