As reported by Vanguard News, on Monday, July 27, 2026, retired Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, addressed the criticism from Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (retd.), who was the former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. 

This criticism centered on the claims made in Al-Mustapha's recently released memoir regarding the events surrounding Abacha's death.

The dispute arose following the publication of Amachree's book entitled DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield, where he outlined his version of the occurrences leading up to the death of the former military leader.

The retired intelligence official claimed that General Abacha passed away in the early hours of June 8, 1998, due to what he referred to as a cardiac arrest induced by sexual activity.

Al-Mustapha contested this narrative and asserted that the information provided in the memoir was inaccurate.

He urged the public to be skeptical of Amachree's account, insisting that the assertions made in the book were false.

In response to the backlash during a phone interview with The Nation, Amachree invited Al-Mustapha to present evidence if he believed the memoir's account was incorrect.

Instead of outrightly dismissing the claims, he suggested that the former military officer should offer proof to back up his viewpoint.

Amachree stated that if Al-Mustapha was sure that the details in the book were misleading, he ought to provide CCTV footage or other reliable evidence showing what transpired in General Abacha's last moments.

The retired DSS officer emphasized that disputes over historical events should rely on verifiable facts rather than personal beliefs or denials.

He claimed that merely labeling his account as false was insufficient to invalidate the information in his memoir, particularly since he asserted that the book was composed from his professional experiences and direct involvement in the situation.

While addressing the criticism, Amachree also justified his professional credentials and extensive service in the Department of State Services.

He highlighted that his position at retirement demonstrated the extent of his responsibilities within the security agency, contrasting it with Al-Mustapha's military rank.

He stated, “I retired as an Assistant Director, which in military terms equals a Brigadier, while Al-Mustapha left the service as a Major.”

Amachree clarified that the narrative in his 348-page memoir was based on his knowledge and experience while working in the DSS.

He noted that General Abacha passed away around 4:05 a.m. on June 8, 1998, in the Presidential Villa Guest House in Abuja due to what he defined as a coitus-induced cardiac arrest.

The retired intelligence officer also revealed his participation in the investigation that occurred following the abrupt death of the former Head of State.

Due to his involvement in the inquiry, he maintained that the knowledge in his memoir stemmed from his firsthand understanding of the episode and the insights he gained during the investigation.

Amachree asserted that his narrative was not meant to stir controversy but to record his experiences after years of service in the DSS. 

He emphasized that those wanting to dispute the information in the memoir must use confirmed facts instead of baseless assertions.

His reply was given as conversations about the events leading to General Abacha's passing keep attracting public attention after the release of his book.