Nigerian Army Confirms Maj. Al-Mustapha's Status; Says All Accrued Entitlements Will Be Paid To Him

The Nigerian Army has stated that the former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha is still an officer of the Nigerian Army.

This disclosure was made on Monday at the Joint Security Services Public Information Committee by the Chief of Staff in the Directorate of Army Public Relations, Colonel John Agim.

Answering questions from newsmen on the status of Al-Mustapha, Col. Agim said, "He is still in the Army and all other things will be handled administratively in line with the terms and conditions of service."

However, informed military sources disclosed to the Nigerian Tribune that though Al-Mustapha has been discharged and acquitted, there is no way he can fit back into the army.

According to the source, "At any particular rank, you must have attended all the necessary courses and within certain age bracket.

"But in Al-Mustapha's case, he will be caught up with the age in rank clause which is enshrined in the terms and condition of service."

The source added that all his entitlements will be paid to him since he was not dismissed from the army.