Al-Mustapha, Shofolan file appeals

 Late General Sani Abacha’s Chief Security Officer, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, and Lateef Shofolahan have filed separate appeals against the death sentences passed on them for the alleged murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

 Both men were sentenced to death by hanging on Monday for conspiracy in the killing of Abiola by a Lagos High Court.

 Justice Mojisola Dada handed down the sentences.

 Counsel to the two accused persons, Olalekan Ojo, filed the appeal on Tuesday, it was learnt.

 This will be followed today, according to Ojo, with the filing of a stay of execution order to prevent the sentence from being carried out before the appeal is heard.

 Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan were accused of complicity in the murder of Abiola on June 4, 1996.

 She is the wife of late business mogul and winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.