Maryam Abacha, wife of the late Nigerian military ruler General Sani Abacha, has strongly denied allegations that her husband looted the nation’s wealth, insisting instead that he saved money for Nigeria—funds she says vanished after his death.
In an interview with TVC, the former first lady challenged the longstanding narrative surrounding Abacha’s financial dealings while in power from 1993 until his death in 1998.
“Who is the witness of the monies that were being stashed?” she asked. “Did you see the signature or the evidence of any monies stashed abroad? And the money that my husband kept for Nigeria, in a few months, the money vanished. People are not talking about that.”
Over the years, successive governments have announced the recovery of large sums allegedly stashed abroad by Abacha and his associates. By 2020, the recovered funds were estimated to exceed $3.6 billion. More recently, the UK returned $23 million in May 2022, the US followed with $20 million a few months later, and in 2023, France repatriated another $150 million.
However, Maryam insists her husband’s name is unfairly dragged through the mud. “Why are you blaming somebody? Is that tribalism or a religious problem, or what is the problem with Nigerians?” she asked. “We should stop telling lies and blaming people.”
Maryam Abacha criticises media
She also criticised the media, urging journalists to focus on educating and informing the public rather than demonising individuals. “You are here to help the country. You are not here to bastardise people. People are not that bad. 27 years ago, and you are still talking about Abacha. He must be very powerful and loved by Nigerians. We thank God for that.”
Referencing views that Nigeria’s economy was more stable during Abacha’s regime, with higher foreign reserves and lower external debt, she questioned the basis of corruption allegations. “So, where did he steal the money from?” she asked rhetorically.
Maryam didn’t hide her frustration over what she described as blind public acceptance of the looting narrative. “And because Nigerians are fools, they listen to everything,” she said, lamenting the tendency to blame former leaders. “Abacha does not make Nigeria alone. Abiola and everybody, nobody is big enough for Nigeria. Even the single man on the street is very important. We are all human beings, for goodness’ sake.”
Addressing claims around the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election—an issue that continues to evoke debate—she denied that her husband played any role. “All I know is that the annulment was not done by my husband,” she said. “If it was him, that means he was very powerful… even more powerful than the president. If the president was there and somebody else is calling the shots, that means Abacha was the greatest.”
