1996 June 4: Kudirat Abiola was shot and killed by 6 gunmen near her home in Lagos.
In May 1996, the month before Kudirat Abiola was mercilessly gunned down, she had been briefly detained for a few hours for allegedly possessing publications critical of the Nigerian military government headed by General Sani Abacha. Although her husband and billionaire businessman, Late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, was already jailed over charges of treason, Kudirat became the tireless advocate for his freedom and return of his mandate. The beautiful woman became one of the most dreaded foes of Abacha.
On Tuesday, 4th of June, 1996, around 3:05 pm by 7-Up Depot/Bus Stop in Ikeja, Late Kudirat Abiola together with her driver were attacked by six gunmen. The trauma was too much for her, she lost consciousness and was rushed to the Eko Hospital for urgent medical attention. All efforts made by the medical team to save her life failed. Kudirat Abiola died at the age of 44, with a gaping bullet wound on her forehead. Her driver too did not survive the attack.
