Abacha Debate Takes New Twist As Ex-DSS Chief Demands CCTV Proof From Al-Mustapha

Former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has challenged former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (retd.), to provide credible evidence, including CCTV footage if available, to contradict the account of Abacha’s final moments contained in his memoir.

Amachree, author of DSS@40, said Al-Mustapha should counter the claims in the book with verifiable facts instead of dismissing the publication outright.

Speaking during a telephone interview, the retired DSS officer disclosed that the memoir underwent an official review by the security agency before it was published.

According to him, the book received institutional clearance as part of activities marking the 40th anniversary of the Department of State Services.

Amachree explained that the DSS invited him from the United States to Nigeria for the official launch of the memoir, an event attended by senior security officials, directors of the service from across the country and members of the diplomatic corps.

He argued that the agency’s decision to vet and publicly endorse the publication reinforced the credibility of the information contained in the book.

Reacting to Al-Mustapha’s criticism, Amachree insisted that anyone disputing the account should present concrete evidence rather than making blanket denials.

“If he disagrees with what I wrote, he should produce evidence, including any CCTV footage or other verifiable proof, to show that the account is false,” he said.

Amachree also dismissed Al-Mustapha’s description of him as “a boy,” describing the remark as inaccurate and inconsistent with his personal and professional history.

“I was already seven years old when Nigeria gained independence,” he said.

The retired DSS officer further compared their respective career achievements, noting that he left the service as an Assistant Director, a rank he said is equivalent to that of a Brigadier in the military, while Al-Mustapha retired from the Nigerian Army as a Major.