I Did Not Kill Him” — Ex-DSS Director Speaks On Circumstances Surrounding Abacha’s Death

A former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has dismissed long-standing conspiracy theories surrounding the death of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, stating that available evidence suggests he died of a heart attack.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Amachree made the remarks in his newly published book, which he discussed during an interview on TVC News’ Breakfast Show.

He said many narratives that have circulated since Abacha’s death on June 8, 1998, were based on speculation rather than verified facts or firsthand knowledge of the incident.

According to him, several individuals have offered varying explanations over the years without access to the findings of the official investigation.

“A lot of people have come up with different stories about what happened, but they were not aware of the facts. They were looking at events from the outside and drawing conclusions,” he said.

He added that some claims linking specific actions to Abacha’s death were unfounded, noting that those making such assertions lacked medical expertise.

Amachree disclosed that investigators interviewed a woman who was reportedly with Abacha shortly before his death, describing her account as the only direct eyewitness testimony available.

He said the woman, who arrived at the residence with her sister, was later questioned by investigators.

“The girl who was with him when he died was brought in for questioning. When she entered my office, she immediately said, ‘I did not kill him,’” he recounted.

The former DSS official said he found her testimony credible after extensive questioning, noting that she had no reason to be deceptive and was not placed under pressure during the interview.

He added that her account remained the only direct description of events in the room at the time of Abacha’s death.

“From everything she told me and from what I gathered during the investigation, I strongly believe it was a heart attack,” Amachree said.

He further explained that while the woman was unaware at the time that Abacha had died, she later realised something was wrong.

Amachree maintained that, based on the available findings, Abacha’s death was most consistent with natural causes.

General Sani Abacha’s sudden death in office has remained a subject of public debate and speculation for nearly three decades, with various theories emerging about the circumstances surrounding his passing.