Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, says he has forgiven those behind his 14 years sojourn in prison.

In an interview aired on BBC Hausa Service, yesterday, the former
Abacha security goon said "there was conscious effort by those behind
my travail to paint me black before the whole world, but my gratitude
goes to God for allowing truth to triumph over falsehood". He spoke
about 24 hours after the Court of Appeal set him free.
Al-Mustapha Al-Mustapha stated: "The last 14 years of my life was
spent between solitary confinement that lasted five years and three
months anddetention in about 32 facilities located within the northern
and southern parts of the country." Recounting his experience in
prison, the former CSO declared: "I was toughened by my professional
calling and my belief as a Muslim to persevere in whatever condition
one finds himself", stressing that 14 years from home had been tough
and laden with lesson of life
The one-time feared Major, in the emotional interview, said, "I am
fully convinced that my travail was ordained by God to test my will
and trust in Him and those laying claim to have played a role must
have done that out of ignorance, and I bear no grudge against them. "I
have learnt a lot lessons from my incarceration and, from what I have
seen at the maximumprison, there is a number of people who are being
detained illegally across the prisons and those in position of
authority must do something to address the issue".
He added: "I am still a major in the Nigerian Army, and cannot be
dragged into politics especially since I have been out for so long. I
don't think of politics, my major preoccupation now is how to reunite
with my profession." Rally Meanwhile, barring any last-minute change
in plan, Maryam Sani Abacha, wife of the late Head of state, Abacha,
is set to lead the entire Abacha family to receive him at Malam Aminu
Kano International Airport as he returns home today. Al-Mustapha's
grandmother was also said to be anxious to see him.
Supporters and well-wishers of the freed former CSO were, yesterday,
said to be planning to hold a rally for honour their hero. A jingle by
Muhammad Abacha, eldest son of the late Head of State, ran on
virtually all radio stations in Kano, calling on Kano people to come
out en masse to welcome Al Mustapha back home.
Palpable festivities enveloped the city of nine million people as many
were seen discussing today's event that promised to attract hundreds
of thousands of people. Al-Mustapha's private residence, located at
Lamido Crescent, Nassarawa GRA, wore a new look with increased
activities as hordes of people were seen trooping in and out of the
house. Sunday Vanguard checks round the city showed posters of the
late Abacha dotted strategic streets with those of Al-Mustapha.