Three years after the assassination of Army General Hassan Ahmed, the pursuit of his estate has led to bitter disputes between his two wives. The general, who was tragically shot dead by gunmen on July 15, 2021, remains without justice as the assailants have not been apprehended despite assurances from law enforcement.
The late general was attacked while traveling with his sister on the Abuja-Lokoja road when gunmen emerged from the bushes, opening fire on their vehicle. Following the assault, his body was discovered at the scene and laid to rest in a military cemetery in Abuja, amid grief from family and colleagues.
Since his murder, legal battles have erupted over the general’s estate between his first wife, Hajia Talatu, and his second wife, Promise Delema. The dispute intensified after family members asserted that Delema had been divorced months before the general’s death. Delema, on the other hand, refutes this claim and argues her status as his wife was solidified by the enrollment of their daughter in an Army scholarship program.
The situation has escalated to the courts, with no fewer than four separate lawsuits filed by both parties over inheritance rights. The conflict began when Delema moved into a mansion purportedly constructed for her by the late general, against the wishes of his first wife and family. Despite repeated attempts to have her vacate the property, Delema maintains that the home rightfully belongs to her and her daughter.
Family members have consistently denied claims made by Delema. Abiso Ahmed, the general’s younger brother, stated that Delema was divorced in 2017, with confirmation from their mother. Alhaji Yisa, a close friend of the general, echoed this sentiment, recalling conversations wherein the general expressed unhappiness in his marriage to Delema.
Disputes over the mansion have been fueled by allegations concerning financial transactions related to its construction. Friends and family have asserted that they paid Sergeant Ogundele, the general’s aide, a substantial amount to settle the expenses for the property, which has now become a point of contention.
Human rights advocates have stepped in, with offers to mediate the ongoing disputes as the family grapples with the complex issue of inheritance amid unresolved questions surrounding the general’s tragic death. As the anniversary of his assassination approaches, the quest for justice and resolution continues.
