Maryam Abacha

Maryam Abacha is the widow of Sani Abacha, Nigeria's military ruler from 1993 to 1998.

Early life and career

In 1999, Maryam Abacha said that her husband acted in the good will of Nigeria. A Nigerian government official said that Maryam Abacha said that to convince the government to grant her a reprieve, as the president, Olusegun Obasanjo, had been jailed by Sani Abacha. After the death of her husband, Maryam was caught while attempting to leave Nigeria with 38 suitcases filled with cash. As of 2000, Maryam Abacha remained in Nigeria and continued to proclaim the innocence of her husband despite several human right abuses attributed to him. She resides in Kano state, Nigeria.
Maryam and Sani Abacha had three daughters and seven sons. Maryam Abacha's eldest surviving son is Mohammed Abacha.
Maryam Abacha founded National Hospital Abuja and established the African First Ladies Peace Mission.