Abacha's son 'to enter politics'

Abuja, 22 Sept-(ANA)-The son of Nigeria's former military ruler Sani Abacha has told the BBC he is strongly considering running for the governorship of Kano state.

Mohammed Abacha spent three years in prison on charges of embezzlement before being freed in 2002.

His father ruled Nigeria from 1993 until he died in 1999. He is thought to have embezzled billions of dollars.

Swiss banks have returned millions of dollars belonging to the Abacha family to the Nigerian state but they are still hugely wealthy.

As well as the embezzlement charges, Mr Abacha was also cleared of murder by the Supreme Court in 2002, sparking street celebrations in Kano.

He had been accused of ordering the murder of the wife of Moshood Abiola, who is believed to have won the 1993 elections which were annulled by the military, before Sani Abacha seized power.

Mr Abiola died in prison in 1999 just a month after Gen Abacha

Mr Abacha said he was under a lot of pressure to seek the governorship but was still consulting stakeholders.

Last month, he said he would enter politics but did not specify which office he would seek.

The next national elections are due in 2011. (ANA)

FA/ANA/22 September 2009---