Former First Lady Maryam Abacha has defended her late husband, Gen. Sani Abacha, rejecting allegations that he looted billions from Nigeria during his rule from 1993 until his death in 1998.
In a television interview marking the 27th anniversary of his passing, she claimed the money linked to him was actually saved for the country and mysteriously vanished after his death.
She dismissed reports of foreign recoveries as lacking credible evidence and criticized Nigerians for believing what she described as politically motivated falsehoods.
Mrs. Abacha also distanced her husband from the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, questioning the logic behind claims of looting given the stable economy under his regime, while urging the media to educate the public rather than demonize individuals.