Late General Rabe’s Son Rejects Diabetes Claim, Says Mother Is Still In Captivity

Isyaka Rabe, one of the sons of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, has dismissed claims by the Katsina State Government that his father died as a result of complications from diabetes.

Speaking in an interview with Deutsche Welle on Sunday, Isyaka described reports linking the former Director of Defence Information’s death to diabetes as inaccurate.

According to him, the family does not believe diabetes was responsible for the retired military officer’s death.

“I truly don’t believe it was diabetes,” he said.

“In our view, it was a heart attack. If you look at it, his legs were restrained.”

Isyaka explained that conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding his father’s death while in captivity.

He noted that some people had suggested the late general may have died after suffering a snake bite, based on a video allegedly released by the kidnappers.

“Moreover, some people said that he was walking, and he didn’t die, so God knows, since only God is the knower,” he added.

The retired army officer was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, while travelling through the Matazu axis of Katsina State.

Days after the kidnapping, a video surfaced online showing the couple appealing to authorities and community leaders to intervene and secure their freedom.

News later emerged that the retired general had died while in captivity, with reports attributing his death to health complications, including diabetes.

However, Isyaka said the family was not informed of the exact circumstances surrounding the recovery of his father’s remains.

“When I announced the time for my father’s funeral prayer, many people began asking how the body was recovered,” he said.

“I told them I did not know and that they should direct such questions to the government.”

Despite the painful loss, he described his father as a hero who dedicated his life to serving the nation.

Isyaka also clarified that his mother, who was abducted alongside the late general, has not regained her freedom.

He dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that she had been rescued or released by the kidnappers.

According to him, the family is still awaiting her safe return and remains deeply concerned about her wellbeing.

The conflicting accounts surrounding Major General Rabe Abubakar’s death have raised fresh questions about the circumstances of his final moments in captivity, even as security agencies continue efforts to secure the release of his wife.

The late military officer served as Director of Defence Information and was widely respected for his contributions to Nigeria’s armed forces. His death has continued to attract tributes from military personnel, public officials and Nigerians mourning the loss of one of the country’s senior retired officers.