Gen. Sani Abacha
He ruled Nigeria with an iron grip and his regime was marred by gross human rights abuses.
Abacha remains a divisive figure in his home country. Current President Muhammadu Buhari, a one-time military ruler himself, has credited him with some achievements such as building roads and improving education and healthcare.
Here is a timeline of key events in the late dictator's life:
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20 September 1943Kano, NigeriaGeneral Sani Abacha born in Kano state, northern Nigeria.
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1963Kaduna, NigeriaPasses out of the Nigerian Military Training Centre in Kaduna, receiving further training in the UK.
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1965NigeriaMarries Maryam Jiddah. The couple have 10 children, one of whom later dies.
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1967-72Southern NigeriaAbacha fights for Nigeria in the country's civil war against Biafran secessionists and continues to rise through the army ranks.
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1983Lagos, NigeriaEnters national spotlight because of his role in the 31 December coup that toppled the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. Gen Muhammadu Buhari is installed as military ruler.
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1985Lagos, NigeriaGen Buhari is overthrown in a coup supported by Abacha. He helps install Gen Ibrahim Babangida and is promoted to major general.
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12 June 1993Lagos, NigeriaLong-promised democratic elections held. With preliminary results showing victory for wealthy businessman Moshood Abiola, Gen Babangida annuls the results to widespread outcry.
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August 1993Abuja, NigeriaAbacha is appointed Minister of Defence after Babangida steps down and creates an interim government headed by civilian President, Ernest Shonekan.
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17 November 1993Abuja, NigeriaShonekan resigns and transfers power to Abacha, in a move widely believed to be another coup. His regime is marred by human rights abuses and the crushing of dissenting voices.
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1994NigeriaPresumed election winner Moshood Abiola declares himself president and is imprisoned.
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1995Ogoni, NigeriaThe Abacha regime comes under worldwide condemnation and Nigeria is suspended from The Commonwealth after the execution of the Ogoni Nine, environmentalists who were protesting against the activity of the government and oil giant Shell. Among them was Ken Saro-Wiwa, a poet and Nobel Prize nominee.
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1996West AfricaAbacha is elected chairperson of The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), a regional economic bloc.
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February 1998Sierra LeoneAbacha deploys Nigerian forces to Sierra Leone in a bid to oust the military regime and restore the civilian government overthrown the year before.
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8 June 1998Abuja, NigeriaAbacha dies from a suspected heart attack and is buried the same day. Nigeria transitions to democratic rule one year later.
Credits
Produced by Yemisi Adegoke
Development by Olawale Malomo
Design by Olaniyi Adebimpe
Photo credits: AFP, Getty Images, Nigeria High Commission.