…Says Conclusions On Late Head Of State Based On Speculation, Not Medical Facts
Daud Olatunji
A former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has dismissed long-standing claims that former Head of State, Sani Abacha, was poisoned, insisting that available findings point to a heart attack as the cause of his death.
Abacha died on June 8, 1998, while in office, a development that has continued to generate controversy and conspiracy theories nearly three decades after.
But Amachree, who spoke in an interview on TVC News and also referenced his account in a newly published book, said many narratives surrounding the late military ruler’s death were built on speculation rather than verified evidence.
“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 maintained that investigators who handled the matter at the time relied on available eyewitness accounts and post-event assessments, which, according to him, did not support allegations of poisoning.
Amachree disclosed that a woman who was reportedly with the late Head of State shortly before his death provided the only direct account of what transpired inside the room.
According to him, the woman, who was later interrogated by security operatives, strongly denied any involvement in his death.
“The first thing she said when she entered my office was, ‘I did not kill him.’ She was very direct about it,” he recalled.
He added that after extensive questioning, her account was considered credible and consistent, noting that she was not under duress during interrogation.
Amachree further stated that, based on her testimony and other investigative findings, there was no evidence to support claims of foul play.
“From everything she told me and from what I gathered during the investigation, I strongly believe it was a heart attack,” he said.
He explained that Abacha was reportedly in her company shortly before he was later discovered unresponsive, adding that she was unaware of his condition until after the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the former military ruler have remained one of Nigeria’s most debated historical events, with multiple theories continuing to circulate since 1998.
Amachree, however, urged caution against conclusions not backed by professional or forensic evidence, insisting that many of the popular narratives were shaped by hearsay.
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