The Administrators of the Estate of late Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Hamza Abdullahi have refuted allegations of mismanagement leveled by Yahaya Garba in a May 4, 2025, article published on oprnews.com, describing the claims as false and aimed at tarnishing the estate’s reputation.
In a press release issued by Abdullahi Hamza on behalf of the administrators, the family accused Garba of obstructing the distribution of the estate through fraudulent and criminal tactics, potentially backed by powerful external parties, and called for police investigations into his actions.
The administrators, Fatima Hamza Mai-Bornu and Abdullahi Hamza, dismissed Garba’s allegations in Suit No. K/244/25 filed at the Kano State High Court, which seeks their removal as estate administrators. They asserted that the claims are baseless and contradicted by records showing that many assets have already been distributed to heirs in accordance with Shariah law, with acknowledgments from recipients.
“None of the claims made are based in facts and are easily disproved with records, for verily truth displaces falsehood,” the statement read.
The family expressed frustration at Garba’s persistent obstruction, accusing him of delaying the timely conclusion of the inheritance process. As an heir to the estate of AVM Abdullahi’s late mother, Garba has “constituted himself into a stumbling block” for other heirs, the administrators claimed, questioning whether he is acting alone or being manipulated by “faceless and mischievous external forces.” They noted “alarming signs” of support from powerful figures interested in the estate but refrained from further speculation out of respect.
The administrators highlighted Garba’s alleged criminal history, citing ongoing investigations into human rights violations and sexual assault allegations, as reported in a 2021 Daily Post article about a related incident. They also referenced a May 2025 petition to the Inspector General of Police, accusing Garba of providing false evidence in court filings to pervert justice and illegally target estate assets in violation of the Penal Code. The family urged authorities to investigate these allegations to ensure justice for AVM Abdullahi, whose life was dedicated to national service.
The family emphasized their desire to resolve outstanding issues respectfully and amicably, aligning with the late patriarch’s wish to unite the family. Previously silent on Garba’s accusations to honor AVM Abdullahi’s private legacy, the administrators issued this one-time statement to set the record straight, vowing not to engage in further public disputes. “Those who come to equity should come with clean hands,” they stated, challenging Garba’s credibility given his alleged legal troubles.
The administrators reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the estate’s distribution in a timely and satisfactory manner, prioritizing family unity. They called on authorities to address Garba’s alleged criminal acts to protect the estate’s integrity and honor AVM Abdullahi’s legacy of duty to Nigeria.
