Al-Mustapha Was a Model Prisoner, Say Prison Sources

 Former CSO: I have forgiven my accusers
By Chiemelie Ezeobi and Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the later military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, was a model prisoner. Throughout his 14 years of incarceration behind at Kirikiri Maximum Prison, he was said to have conformed to the rules governing the prison, a feat many prison sources have attributed to the military regimen garnered during his training and subsequent career as a military officer.

Aside his personality, which was described as exemplary, the major had also honed his skills in sports especially tennis and became a champion behind the walls. According to fellow inmates, the tennis aficionado was best described as a disciplinarian who also had a large heart to accommodate those who were in need of help.


Prison sources who spoke, but preferred not to be named, told THISDAY that the major had been known to have helped several inmates who were awaiting trial to secure their freedom by obliging them with his legal counsels.

When contacted, the Lagos State Prison Public Relations Officer, Biyi Jeje, said although he could not confirm such claims, he however corroborated the fact that the major played the role of a philanthropist to other inmates.

He described Al-Mustapha as a model prisoner throughout his stay behind bars, who adhered to the discipline instilled in him during his military training and career, and became quite skillful at tennis, a sport he knew nothing about before his incarceration.
He said: “He was a model prisoner who conformed with the rules governing the environment. He came into the prison without any knowledge of the sport but he now plays tennis very well.

“For some people, incarceration is enough punishment to transfer aggression but Al-Mustapha took it upon himself to help anyone in need to the best of his abilities.”
He, however, debunked claims that the major was treated preferentially from other inmates in the prison, adding that the prison staff might have accorded him respect because he conformed to the given rules and regulations. “He also acquired effective interpersonal communication with his fellow inmates. During his stay, his personal activities were modified to suit the expected and desired behaviour. He therefore conformed to the norms of the prison whilst there.”

He added, “He also has a highly outstanding personality make up. In fact, he was highly disciplined which is not surprising considering his military background."

He however dismissed allegations that during the former CSO’s stay, the prison experienced several attempted jailbreaks, inisting that nothing of the sort happened, as the prisons under the Lagos Command are heavily fortified with security personnel and apparatus.

He said: “The prisons in Lagos command are fortified with the physical presence of security personnel. We also have a good synergy with our sister agencies who support our already well-formed security formation.