The Australian Government has been disturbed by the circumstances surrounding the death of Alhajia Kudirat Abiola, the senior wife of Moshood Abiola, the unofficial winner of the annulled June 1993 presidential election. Mrs Abiola was shot by assailants on 4 June whilst being driven through Lagos and died shortly afterwards while receiving medical attention.
Initial reports indicate that the attack was premeditated and politically motivated.
Mrs Abiola, who was an outspoken human rights advocate, had been working tirelessly to gain her husband's release from prison. Chief Abiola has been in detention since June 1994 on charges of treason following a public meeting in Lagos at which he claimed the Presidency. The Australian Government urges General Sani Abacha and the Nigerian Government to thoroughly investigate the death of Mrs Abiola and to ensure that those responsible are identified and duly prosecuted in an open court of law. Further, the Australian Government renews its calls for the release of Chief Abiola and other political detainees.