Maryam Abacha: “My Husband Never Stole Nigeria’s Money”

Sani Abacha

Maryam Abacha, wife of Nigeria’s former military ruler, General Sani Abacha, has once again defended her late husband against longstanding accusations of corruption.

General Abacha, who led Nigeria from 1993 until his sudden death on June 8, 1998, has been repeatedly linked to billions of dollars stashed in foreign accounts—funds widely referred to as the “Abacha loot.” Over the years, successive administrations have recovered and repatriated large sums from countries like Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which have been used for various public projects.

But in a recent interview aired on TVC to mark the 27th anniversary of Abacha’s passing, the former First Lady strongly denied that her husband ever looted public funds.

“Where’s the evidence? Who saw the money being hidden? Whose signature is on these supposed accounts?” she asked.
“The funds my husband set aside for Nigeria disappeared within months after his death—and nobody talks about that.”

Maryam Abacha insisted that her husband’s financial actions have been distorted and that his legacy has been unfairly tarnished.

She also suggested that the constant accusations are rooted in deeper societal issues.

“Why all the blame? Is it tribalism? Is it religion? Why are Nigerians so quick to condemn each other?” she questioned.
“We must stop spreading lies and hate. We need to be kinder to one another—regardless of region, religion, or political affiliation.”

She criticized Nigerians for blindly accepting claims of looted funds being recovered by later governments.

“Nigerians believe anything they hear. Abacha didn’t build Nigeria alone. Babangida didn’t either. Neither did Abiola. Every Nigerian matters—even the man on the street. We need to stop the blame game.”

Maryam also refuted the claim that Abacha had a role in the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, which occurred under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

“My husband didn’t annul the election,” she said.
“If he did, then he must have been more powerful than the president himself. And that’s not possible.”