See The Story Behind Why Kudirat Abiola Was Brutally Assassinated In 1996
Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, a politically and socially active figure, was the wife of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M. K. O. ) Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. Kudirat played a pivotal role in advocating for justice and democracy during her husband’ s imprisonment, a struggle that ultimately led to her tragic assassination on June 4, 1996.
The annulment of the June 12, 1993, election by General Ibrahim Babangida sparked nationwide protests, particularly in the southwest. These upheavals culminated in Babangida’ s resignation and the formation of the Shonekan- led Interim National Government, which was short- lived. In November 1993, General Sani Abacha ousted Shonekan, taking over as head of state.
Initially, M. K. O. Abiola supported Abacha’ s regime, hoping his mandate would be restored. However, when that hope faded, Abiola declared himself president on June 11, 1994. He was arrested and charged with treason days later, prompting Kudirat to lead protests and organize strikes to demand his release and justice for the June 12 mandate.
Kudirat spearheaded a year- long oil workers’ strike and mobilized market women, students, and civil servants to fight for democracy. Her fearless advocacy made her a target for Abacha’ s military regime. Unknown to her, she was marked for elimination by conspirators within the government.
On June 4, 1996, Kudirat was traveling in a white Mercedes Benz with her driver, Dauda Atanda, and personal assistant, Lateef Shofolahan. As her car slowed near the 7- Up bus stop on Oregun Road in Ikeja, Lagos, two vehicles intercepted them. Gunmen opened fire, wounding her driver and fatally shooting Kudirat in the forehead. She was rushed to Eko Hospital but succumbed to her injuries around noon.
In court testimonies, it was revealed that Mohammed Abacha, the dictator’ s son, provided funds for the operation, while Rabo Lawal, head of the mobile police force, allegedly executed the plan. Weapons were supplied for the operation, and detailed accounts placed Shofolahan at the center of the betrayal.
In 2001, Mohammed Abacha was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Hamza Al- Mustapha and Shofolahan were sentenced to death in 2012 but were released in 2013 after the appellate court ruled that the evidence against them was inconclusive. The case remains a subject of controversy, with many questions about the true masterminds left unanswered.
Kudirat Abiola’ s assassination is one of the most notorious political murders in Nigeria’ s history. Her death highlighted the extreme measures taken by the military regime to suppress dissent. Despite her tragic end, Kudirat’ s courage and sacrifice continue to inspire the fight for democracy and justice in Nigeria.
