Kontagora (Niger): Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida has called for the release of the former Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha, Maj. Hamza al-Mustapha.

Al-Mustapha has been standing trial since 1997 for the alleged attempt on the life of Chief Alex Ibru, the publisher of the Guardian newspapers, as well as the murder of Chief Kudirat Abiola in Lagos.

Babangida renewed the call for al-Mustapha’s release in Kontagora, Niger, at the 30th anniversary of Mustapha Comprehensive School, owned by a former Military Administrator of Kano State, retired Col. Sani Bello.

He said that al-Mustapha’s continued detention without conviction amounted to injustice.

The former president urged the government to hasten al-Mustapha’s trial so that he could know his fate, if the government chose not to release him from the prolonged detention.

He had made several calls for the release of al-Mustapha in the past.

On the school, Babangida urged its owners to assist the government in uplifting educational standards in the country.

He noted that the sector needed the support of all Nigerians owing to its importance in national development.

Also speaking, the proprietor of the school urged states and local governments in the country to provide the necessary infrastructure and conducive atmosphere for learning in primary schools. (NAN)