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Former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has opened up on one of the most dramatic and historic moments in Nigeria’s political history, revealing how he was unexpectedly locked inside a room at the Presidential Villa shortly before learning that General Sani Abacha had died.
The startling revelation is contained in his autobiography, Call of Duty, a memoir that offers rare insights into the inner workings of Nigeria’s military government and the events that led to a significant turning point in the nation’s democratic journey. The book, unveiled in Abuja as part of activities marking Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday, recounts the confusion, uncertainty, and tension that surrounded the sudden death of Abacha on June 8, 1998.
In the memoir, the retired general described how what began as an ordinary early morning call quickly transformed into one of the most defining moments of his life and career. According to him, he was informed very early that General Abacha wanted to see him immediately. At the time, Abdulsalami was effectively the second most powerful figure in the military government, especially after the detention of Lieutenant General Oladipo Diya, who had previously served as Abacha’s deputy before being implicated in an alleged coup plot.
Abdulsalami recalled that his initial reaction to the invitation was one of frustration rather than concern. Having frequently represented Abacha at both local and international events, he feared he was about to be assigned another official trip, particularly to Togo, where an ECOWAS summit was scheduled to take place. Exhausted from constant travels and official assignments, he quietly hoped that would not be the case.
As he prepared for what he assumed would be another routine assignment, he informed his wife of his displeasure about the sudden summons. He even instructed his orderly to pack his travel bag and personal belongings in anticipation of a possible journey. Moments later, another urgent call arrived, reiterating that the Head of State wanted to see him immediately. Curious about the urgency, he asked whether the meeting was connected to the planned ECOWAS summit in Togo. The response he received was that it concerned an entirely different matter.
Believing he would be returning shortly, Abdulsalami said he did not bother putting on his military uniform. Instead, he dressed casually in a tracksuit and slippers before heading straight to the Presidential Villa. It was a decision that reflected how ordinary he believed the morning assignment would be.
However, things began to take an unusual turn the moment he arrived at the Villa. Upon reaching Abacha’s residence, he was informed that the Head of State was already in his office. The information immediately struck him as strange because it was unusually early, and Abacha was not known for being in the office at such an hour. Nevertheless, he proceeded toward the office complex.
As he approached, one of the security guards instructed him to wait in the reception room, claiming that Abacha wanted him to remain there. The directive puzzled him. Throughout his years of working closely with Abacha, he had always enjoyed direct access to the military ruler and was usually ushered in immediately regardless of who was already in the room. This sudden instruction to wait appeared completely out of character.
Initially, Abdulsalami complied and sat quietly. Minutes passed. Then more minutes followed. What was supposed to be a brief wait gradually stretched into nearly half an hour. During that period, Major General Ishaya Bamaiyi also arrived and joined him in the waiting room. Together, they waited in silence, both seemingly unaware of what was unfolding behind closed doors.
As the delay extended beyond an hour, Abdulsalami’s concern deepened. Something did not feel right. The atmosphere was unusual, and the lack of information only heightened his suspicions. Determined to find answers, he decided he would personally seek out Abacha regardless of protocol.
It was at that moment that he made a shocking discovery.
Attempting to leave the waiting room, he realized the door had been locked from the outside.
The revelation instantly transformed a confusing situation into an alarming one. He turned to Bamaiyi and asked whether he was aware that they had effectively been locked inside the room. According to Abdulsalami, a growing sense of unease overwhelmed him. Although he could not identify the exact problem, he knew instinctively that something significant had happened.
The uncertainty continued for some time until the door was finally opened.
Standing before them was the then Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Coomassie.
Without offering any explanation, Coomassie simply instructed them to follow him. As they walked through the Villa, Abdulsalami informed him that he had earlier been told Abacha was in the office. It was then that the police chief broke the shocking news.
General Sani Abacha was dead.
The announcement left Abdulsalami stunned.
The suddenness of the revelation was difficult to comprehend. Moments earlier, he had believed he was responding to a routine summons from the Head of State. Now he was being informed that the man who had governed Nigeria for years had passed away unexpectedly.
Seeking answers, he immediately asked what had happened. However, Coomassie declined to elaborate and urged him to continue walking.
Upon arriving at Abacha’s residence, Abdulsalami requested permission to see the body himself. He was directed to the room where the late Head of State lay. Entering quietly, he approached the covered body and personally removed the covering.
The sight before him confirmed the reality of the situation.
Overwhelmed by shock, he stood silently for a moment before offering prayers for the deceased leader. After paying his respects, he left the room, still trying to process the extraordinary events of the morning.
Significantly, Abdulsalami’s memoir does not identify who ordered that he and Bamaiyi be locked inside the waiting room. However, his account hints at the possibility that certain military officers may have been maneuvering behind the scenes as the news of Abacha’s death spread through the corridors of power. His narrative suggests there were concerns about how the transition of authority would unfold and whether competing interests within the military establishment might attempt to influence the succession process.
DOYA News reports that the uncertainty surrounding Abacha’s death triggered intense consultations among members of the Provisional Ruling Council, the highest governing body under military rule. As events unfolded throughout the day, attention quickly shifted to determining who would assume leadership of the country.
By the end of the deliberations, Abdulsalami Abubakar emerged as the consensus choice and was formally selected as Nigeria’s new Head of State. His appointment marked the beginning of a crucial chapter in the nation’s history.
Unlike many observers who expected military rule to continue indefinitely, Abdulsalami moved swiftly to initiate a transition programme aimed at restoring democratic governance. Within less than a year, he supervised a political transition that culminated in the election of a civilian government.
DOYA News gathered that the transition remains one of the shortest and most consequential in Nigeria’s history, ultimately leading to the inauguration of President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999. That handover formally ended years of military rule and paved the way for the democratic era that continues today.
Nearly three decades later, Abdulsalami’s recollection of the mysterious hours following Abacha’s death provides a rare glimpse into the uncertainty, intrigue, and tension that surrounded one of the most pivotal moments in Nigeria’s political evolution. His account not only sheds light on the circumstances of that historic day but also offers a firsthand perspective on how fate unexpectedly placed him at the centre of a transition that changed the course of the nation forever.