Late Major General Rabe Abubakar’s son, Isyaka Rabe, has disputed claims that his father suffered from diabetes or hypertension before his death, stating that there was no known medical history supporting such reports.

In an interview with Deutsche Welle (DW), Isyaka dismissed reports attributed to the Katsina State Government suggesting that the retired military officer died as a result of diabetes complications.

He said some individuals believe the late general may have died from a snake bite, referencing a video earlier released by the kidnappers, but stressed that the true cause of death remains unknown.

He added that only God knows what truly happened to his father in captivity.

While praying for the repose of his father’s soul, Isyaka described him as a devout, peaceful, and humble man who lived a disciplined life, noting that he died a hero.

When asked about the recovery of his father’s remains, Isyaka said the family was not informed about the circumstances surrounding it.

“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered. I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government,” he said.

Isyaka also revealed that his mother, who was abducted alongside his father, is still in captivity, debunking social media reports claiming she had been released.

“Take it from me, our mother is still in captivity. She has not been released,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the late general’s daughters, Adda Abubakar, had earlier stated on her X handle, @Addahaleem, that her father did not die of diabetes, insisting instead that a snake bite may have been responsible.

The retired Major General and his wife were abducted on May 30, 2026, along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He later died while in the custody of his abductors.

However, the Katsina State Government had earlier announced that the retired officer died from complications of diabetes and hypertension.

Family members and other sources continue to insist that his death may have resulted from a snake bite during captivity.

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians serving prison sentences in Ethiopia that efforts are underway to bring them home following the implementation of a prisoner transfer agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

The assurance was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a visit to Nigerian inmates at Aba Samuel Prison in Ethiopia on June 11.

Speaking to the inmates, the minister announced that the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement between both countries had officially taken effect, describing it as part of the Tinubu administration’s citizen-centred diplomatic agenda under its 4-D foreign policy framework.

She explained that the policy, built around diplomacy, democracy, development and demography, places strong emphasis on the welfare and protection of Nigerians living abroad.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured the inmates that the Federal Government remained conscious of their plight and had not forgotten them, adding that arrangements were being made to facilitate the return of eligible prisoners to Nigeria.

According to her, negotiations leading to the agreement took considerable time due to legal and judicial requirements in both countries. She disclosed that several Nigerian inmates reportedly died while discussions were ongoing before the deal was eventually finalised.

The minister stressed that while the government remains committed to protecting Nigerians overseas, citizens also have a responsibility to respect the laws of their host countries to avoid legal troubles.

She noted that inmates who qualify for transfer must provide formal consent before the necessary documentation and repatriation procedures can begin, in accordance with international correctional standards.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also encouraged the prisoners to participate actively in rehabilitation and correctional programmes to aid their reintegration into society upon their return to Nigeria.

Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service assured the inmates that those transferred back to Nigeria would initially be received at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where they would undergo further processing before possible relocation to facilities closer to their families.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, while Ethiopian officials represented their government during the signing ceremony in Addis Ababa.

The prisoner transfer arrangement is expected to benefit approximately 100 Nigerian inmates currently serving sentences in Ethiopia. Reports indicate that about 98 prisoners, including two women, could qualify for repatriation if they meet the required conditions.

The minister’s visit reportedly sparked emotional reactions among the inmates, many of whom expressed gratitude and renewed hope at the prospect of returning to Nigeria after spending years in foreign correctional facilities.

Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a Lagos-based hospital of frustrating efforts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nknau.

Adichie alleged that Euracare Hospital has repeatedly delayed and complicated the coronial inquest into her son’s death, which occurred in January. According to her, the inquiry was initially scheduled to begin in April but has yet to make meaningful progress.

The celebrated novelist claimed that the hospital has “stalled and muddied and obfuscated” the process and has now sought an order from Nigeria’s Federal High Court to halt the inquest altogether.

The BBC reported that it contacted Euracare for a response. Meanwhile, a panel established by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria had earlier found grounds suggesting possible medical negligence on the part of the hospital.

Adichie recently made her first public comments since the death of her son by publishing on social media a letter she had written to the hospital’s director in April.

In the post, she questioned the hospital’s actions, stating: “If Euracare cares about the truth, then why create delays and distractions and now, finally, try to stop an inquest.”

She also explained her decision to make the matter public, writing: “The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair.

“I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that.”

In her letter, Adichie challenged the hospital’s conclusion that her son died from bacterial meningitis.

“There was no medical evidence to make such a claim on his death certificate,” she wrote.

The author and her family have accused Euracare of negligence, alleging that medical personnel denied the child oxygen and administered excessive sedation, which they believe led to cardiac arrest.

Euracare has previously expressed condolences to the family but denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the treatment provided met international medical standards.

Adichie further alleged that the hospital supplied incomplete medical records following her son’s death.

She described the documentation as “strikingly unprofessional,” adding that “one was inaccurate”.

Court filings submitted by her legal representatives indicate that Nknau was first admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos with what was described as a worsening but relatively mild illness.

According to the filings, plans were already underway to transfer him to the United States for specialist treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Before the trip, however, he was referred to Euracare Hospital for pre-flight medical assessments, including an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture.

The toddler reportedly died on January 7 after undergoing the series of diagnostic procedures at Euracare.

Adichie is one of Africa’s most celebrated literary figures and the author of internationally acclaimed books including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah. She has also participated in high-profile global discussions featuring leaders such as former United States Vice President Kamala Harris and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Although she resides in the United States, Adichie was in Nigeria during the Christmas holiday period when the incident occurred.