Fear as Nigerian Army retires former CSO

                                                       
The Nigeria Army has compulsorily retired Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer to late Gen, Sani Abacha.

The retirement letter obtained, stated that the former CSO was retired due to “undeployability arising from restructuring and/or lack of establishment.”

The letter also said “You are authorised to retain your substantive rank of Major. You are also entitled to gratuity and pension as well as Certificate of Military Service and Retired Officers’ Identity Card.”

“You are entitled to your ceremonial dress, service dress and mess kit. However, you should wear uniforms corresponding to your rank at the time of retirement only when you are invited for military ceremonies; military weddings; memorial services of National Day celebration and Regimental dinners,”  the letter said.

Maj. Al-Mustapha was arrested, tried and sentenced to death, after being tried for the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, the wife of prominent politician, Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

His death sentence was overturned by a Court of Appeal in Lagos, and subsequently discharged and acquitted on July 12, 2013.