Sadiq Abacha, the son of Nigeria’s former military head of state, General Sani Abacha, has voiced his concerns about the excessive scrutiny he faces when traveling due to his family background.
In an interview with BBC Hausa on June 10, Sadiq revealed that despite the lifting of the travel ban on the Abacha family during Yar’adua’s presidency, they are still subjected to harassment when traveling in and out of the country.
“We went to the security agency, they even gave us a clearance paper. But even before this lockdown that I travelled to Dubai, I was still interrogated at the Airport,” he shared.
When asked about the reports of the millions allegedly stashed by his father in foreign vaults, Sadiq expressed his distress, stating, “We hear the report just as others used to hear. But there are reasons why the money was kept … there are some politicians. Definitely, I’m not happy.”
Regarding the Abacha family’s relationship with other surviving Nigerian leaders’ families, Sadiq mentioned that the Babangida family and to some extent, President Muhammadu Buhari’s family, are the only ones who maintain a connection with them.
“Most of my father’s friends abandoned us after my father’s demise,” he added.
“Our present relationship with some of our late father’s friends is surprising. We exchange pleasantries with the family of General Babangida. We are in good terms.
“It is only with members of the Babangida family that whenever we meet, we associate and share stories.
“We also relate well, with family members of President Muhammadu Buhari. But it’s only with the Babangida’s that we recall the past,” he elaborated, further acknowledging the support received from Yayale Ahmed when he was the Secretary of the Government of the Federation.
However, despite obtaining a clearance paper from the security agency indicating the removal of their names from the blacklist, Sadiq revealed that he continues to face interrogation and harassment whenever he travels in and out of the country.
“Nothing has changed. I’m always harassed whenever I’m going out or coming into the country. I don’t know where to go and be listened to. It should’ve been a security agency, but I was there,” he expressed his frustration.
He concluded by citing an incident where he was interrogated upon returning from Dubai, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces despite the official clearance.