Abdulsalami Rejects MKO Abiola Poisoning Allegations, Cites Multi-Nation Autopsy Report

Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has dismissed long-standing claims that Chief MKO Abiola was poisoned, insisting that an international autopsy concluded he died from natural medical causes.

The clarification is contained in Chapter 21 of his autobiography Call of Duty, launched on Saturday at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, during activities marking his 84th birthday, with President Bola Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Abubakar stated in the book that an autopsy conducted by pathologists from the United States, Britain, Canada, and Nigeria found no evidence of poisoning in Abiola’s death.

“I do not believe Abiola was poisoned. A joint autopsy involving American, British, Nigerian and Canadian pathologists was carried out at the request of the family, and the findings attributed his death to natural causes,” he wrote.

He added that medical records showed Abiola had been battling serious health conditions, including hypertension and heart-related complications, for years before his death.

Abubakar cited a 1994 radiological report from the Nigerian Army Defence Hospital in Sokoto which indicated that Abiola had an enlarged heart consistent with hypertensive heart disease.

He also recounted that Abiola collapsed after a meeting with a visiting American delegation, during which he initially appeared stable before suddenly experiencing severe respiratory distress.

“I was informed that he began coughing during the meeting, complained of feeling unwell, and a doctor was immediately called who suspected a heart attack,” he said.

Abubakar further referenced accounts from U.S. officials, including Susan Rice and Tom Pickering, which described Abiola’s sudden deterioration, emergency medical attention, and subsequent transfer to the clinic where he later died.

He said he was personally informed of Abiola’s death by his Chief Security Officer, describing the moment as shocking and emotionally overwhelming.

“My CSO called me and said there was a problem. When I asked what it was, he said Abiola had died. My mind went blank,” he recalled.

The former leader also stated that Abiola’s family was immediately informed, and that U.S. delegation members present helped console members of the family at the time.

Abubakar argued that the presence of foreign observers during Abiola’s final moments helped reduce speculation that would have arisen had he died in total isolation.

He also rejected allegations that he received $500 million after the death of late Head of State Gen. Sani Abacha, describing the claim as entirely false and implausible.

“Nobody gave me $500 million or any amount whatsoever. The idea that such a huge sum could be moved in secrecy is completely unrealistic,” he said.

Abiola died on July 7, 1998 while still in detention.

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