Ex-DSS chief says Abacha died of heart attack, not poison, per eyewitness

Former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services Dennis Amachree said on TVC News that former Head of State General Sani Abacha died of a heart attack on June 8, 1998, and was not poisoned as some have claimed. Amachree based his conclusion on the testimony of a woman who was with Abacha shortly before his death; she told him, 'I did not kill him,' and he found her credible because she had no motive to lie and no one else was present in the room. He stated that from her account and his investigation, he strongly believes Abacha's death resulted from a heart attack.

This claim matters because it challenges long-standing conspiracy theories about Abacha's death, offering a direct eyewitness perspective that could reshape public understanding of a pivotal moment in Nigeria's military-era history. Clarifying the cause of death may influence discussions about leadership accountability, historical narratives, and the legacy of Nigeria's past rulers.

Readers should consider the evidence presented, recognize that this is one perspective among many, and seek additional verification from other credible sources if they wish to form an informed view. Reflecting on how historical accounts are constructed helps us understand how national memory is shaped and what questions remain unresolved about that period.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/11/abacha-died-of-heart-attack-wasnt-poisoned-ex-dss-director/