1.   He was one of a number of high-ranking politicians ruled unusually rich by the previous military junta.

2.   In June that year, a previous junta held civilian presidential elections and then annulled the result, sparking massive protests by human rights activists and the pro-democracy movement.

3.   Abacha seized power last November, ousting a shortlived unelected civilian administration installed by the previous junta of General Ibrahim Babangida.

4.   The previous junta had staged and then voided elections for a civilian president in June that year.

5.   That poll was annulled by the previous junta of General Ibrahim Babangida, though international observers billed it free and fair.

6.   That poll was voided by the previous military junta, which alleged irregularities though international monitors said it had been free and fair.

7.   The NRC was one of two parties effectively created by a previous junta and allowed to contest elections.