Untold story of Emperor Amosun and Late Ibrahim Abacha

Ibrahim Abacha (now late) was the first son of late Nigeria military head of state, General Sani Abacha. He was full of life, and those close to him can attest to the fact that he was cheerful giver, particularly to people he has trust in.

One of such rare people is a young man, in whom Ibrahim was well pleased. The man is Ibikunle Amosun, who was then a promising chartered accountant.

Ibrahim was said to have been fascinated by the brilliance of the young accountant, and before anyone could say Jack Robinson, they have become so close that the junior Abacha entrusted many of his projects in the hands of Amosun.

But after some years, Ibrahim died in a plane crash on January 17, 1996 along with 13 others, and sources claim that Amosun, who is now the governor of Ogun State, actually got his financial breakthrough from the stuff he handled for the deceased.  

Despite the fact that virtually all Nigerians don’t like the late General Sanni Abacha, the death of Ibrahim was a rude shock, as torrents of tributes and condolences were poured on him.

Gumsu Abacha, Ibrahim’s sister recently wrote that “Ibrahim Sani Abacha…20 years today. Allah ya jikan ka da rahama. Amin… u will never be forgotten… I remember so well the last time I saw u and u were giving Inna a goodbye hug… not knowing it was actually gonna be The Last Goodbye.”

There were reports that the pilot of his crashed aircraft was inexperienced and the plane was carrying too many people. Another report suggested that an engine problem might have been the cause of the crash.

Nonetheless, Governor Ibikunle Amosun may not forget this bridge builder whose friends cut across all the ethnic group in Nigeria.