Abacha Never Stole Nigeria’s Money” — Maryam Abacha Sparks Outrage
Abacha Never Stole Nigeria’s Money”
Maryam Abacha, wife of late military ruler General Sani Abacha, has stirred controversy after claiming her husband “never stole Nigeria’s money.” Speaking in Kano, the former First Lady defended her husband’s legacy, calling corruption allegations “malicious lies.”
“My husband served Nigeria with honesty. He didn’t steal a kobo,” she insisted.
Her statement has sparked national backlash, with civil society groups and Nigerians online condemning her remarks. Anti-corruption watchdogs say her claim contradicts years of documented asset recoveries. Over $3.6 billion in “Abacha loot” has been repatriated from countries including the U.S., UK, and Switzerland.
Transparency International Nigeria called the comment “an insult to Nigerians,” urging the government not to let such revisionism go unchecked.
So far, the federal government and EFCC have not responded to her comments.
