Sani Abacha, a former military ruler of Nigeria, died June 8, 1998, at the age of 54. He took power of Nigeria in 1993, through a military coup d'état that overthrew the government of Chief Ernest Shonekan. Abacha was expected to be a transitional leader, and instead remained in power until his death. During his regime, he dissolved democratic institutions and clamped down on the press and political opponents, leading to an international outcry from human rights groups and foreign governments. Abacha's tenure was embroiled in controversy, with allegations of fraud, diversion of government funds, and human rights abuses during his time in office. He had a long-term plan to return Nigeria to a democratically elected government, though his plans never materialized, and democracy was restored upon his death. Sani Abacha is survived by his wife, Maryam, and five children.