The Supreme Court has dismissed the criminal case against Major Hamza Al-Mustapha in connection with the murder of Kudirat Abiola, bringing a definitive end to a long-running legal battle that spanned several years.
In its ruling, the apex court held that the prosecution failed to establish the case against Al-Mustapha beyond reasonable doubt, as required by law. The justices noted that the evidence presented during trial was largely circumstantial and relied heavily on testimonies that were inconsistent, unreliable, or lacked corroboration.
The court found that key prosecution witnesses contradicted themselves on material facts and that their accounts did not sufficiently link Al-Mustapha to the planning or execution of the crime. It further ruled that suspicion, no matter how strong, cannot replace concrete evidence in criminal proceedings, especially in a capital offence.
In dismissing the case, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, stating that courts must be guided strictly by the quality of evidence before them rather than public sentiment or the high profile of a case. The justices concluded that the lower courts erred in their evaluation of the evidence and that the conviction could not stand.
The judgment effectively clears Al-Mustapha of all charges related to the murder, closing one of Nigeria’s most prominent and emotionally charged criminal cases. Legal observers described the ruling as a reaffirmation of judicial standards in criminal trials, particularly the burden placed on the prosecution.
The decision has generated renewed public debate, with reactions ranging from relief among Al-Mustapha’s supporters to disappointment among those who had long sought justice for Kudirat Abiola. Despite the mixed reactions, the Supreme Court’s ruling stands as final, underscoring the court’s role as the ultimate arbiter of justice in the country.