Protest In Kano Over Continued Detention Of Major Al-Mustapha

Source: IBRAHIM HABU. - thewillnigeria.com
PHOTO: MAJOR HAMZA AL- MUSTAPHA, DETAINED FORMER CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER (CSO) TO NIGERIA'S DECEASED MILITARY DICTATOR, GENERAL SANI ABACHA.
PHOTO: MAJOR HAMZA AL- MUSTAPHA, DETAINED FORMER CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER (CSO) TO NIGERIA'S DECEASED MILITARY DICTATOR, GENERAL SANI ABACHA.

KANO, Sept 02, (THEWILL) - Thousands of agitators clamoring for the release of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who was the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late General Sani Abacha, staged a peaceful rally in the ancient city of Kano today, describing the continuous incarceration of the former Chief Security Officer to the late military dictator, General Sani Abacha, as a breach of the rule of law.

The agitators, who carried a mock coffin symbolizing the death of the rule of law in the country, said the Movement for the Emancipation of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha was out of their genuine concern as for his immediate release as citizens of Nigeria.

The protesters made up of several coalitions of youth organizations across the country including students’ union bodies, went on a procession from the Emirs Palace, to Government House carrying various placards to press home their demand.

At the Emirs Palace where they were received by the senior councilor, the Wambai Kano, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi on behalf of the emir; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero called on the Federal Government to investigate the matter urgently so that Nigerians can ascertain the real offence hanging on the ex-security officer.

Bayero also said that there are moves by traditional rulers to intervene and find an appropriate solution that will facilitate his immediate freedom.

The chairman of the movement, Mr. Igwe Martins in his address earlier, revealed that his movement is appealing to the present administration under President Goodluck Jonathan to respond to the clarion calls so as to restore and defend the socio-political fundamental right of every Nigerian citizen.

Martins explained that the continued detention of Major Al-Mustapha for the past twelve years without trial was a manifestation of injustice meted on him; saying, "this administration is God-sent that is ready to deliver and protect the rule of law without compromise to the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens".

The movement also expressed that the continuous detention of the former security officer has put Northern elements into serious issues of disharmony and dilemma, adding that it has become absolutely imperative for every patriotic northerner to sit and ask what wrong the north has done to the Nigerian government.

"The northern youths have not forgotten the established cases of treason against the likes of Asari Dokubo in 2006; Henry Okah in 2008; Nwazuruike in 2007/08 etc. Today, all these people are freely enjoying their freedom with their family and friends resulting from the general amnesty granted by government of Nigeria. Why should our son be treated like this? 12 years in detention without conviction, what kind of law system are we operating?", the movement queried.


The chairman also pointed out that the movement is a product of a long harnessed necessary thought and a genuine attempt to proffer solution to what it considers a relatively lopsided and selective justice by Lagos State judiciary and under the watch of the federal government.