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Reflecting on 25 Years of Freedom from Abacha”s Death Sentence: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

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Reflecting on 25 Years of Freedom from Abacha”s Death Sentence: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

By Bello Fadile_

As I sit down to pen these words, my mind drifts back to a momentous day etched in the annals of my personal history – March 4, 1999. It was on this day, 25 years ago, that I emerged from the shadows of incarceration into the warm embrace of freedom. The memory of that day remains vivid in my mind, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering power of faith.

In a recent conversation with journalists, I had the opportunity to recount the events surrounding my unexpected liberation from the confines of Argungu Prison, a facility now known as a Correctional Facility, in Kebbi State. Sentenced to what seemed like a lifetime behind bars for advocating a non-violent transition to democracy, I found myself grappling with the harsh realities of life under the regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha–my then friend and boss.

The following excerpt is testimony of my release from a “life sentence”, as extracted from the upcoming book, “Nine Lives: The Bello Fadile Memoirs”:

“..25 years ago, in the wee hours of March 4 1999, I had tap, tap, tap, on my cell window and Colonel! Colonel!! wake up. I got up and went closer. Then I saw the warder on duty, a retired Warrant officer of the Nigerian Army now working for the Nigeria Prison Services. He said, “Oga you don free, congratulations sir, start packing your things, you are going home.”

I asked him, what did you just say? ” He said, “Yes sir you are  to be released today, sir.” I did not say anything. I just believed him and rushed to the general open cell opposite my cell to tell the two other inmates who were on a three-day dry fasting with me, seeking the face of God in my situation. It was the beginning of the third day. I told them the good news and they shouted, “Hallelujah!” and we stood up and joined hands to sing out sing-song chorus; God is able, abundantly able, to deliver and to save; The Lord is able, abundantly able, to deliver those who trust in him. Hallelujah!”

As can be seen from the excerpts, it was as the early hours of March 4th dawned that a gentle tap on my cell window shattered the silence of the night, heralding the arrival of long-awaited news. A retired Warrant Officer turned prison warder stood before me, bearing tidings of liberation. With a heart overflowing with gratitude, I shared the news with my fellow inmates, their voices rising in a chorus of praise and thanksgiving.

In those fleeting moments, as I prepared to leave my confinement behind, I was overcome with a profound sense of gratitude towards those who had supported me during my darkest hours. It was with a newfound appreciation for the precious gift of freedom that I stepped out of the prison gates, my spirit unshackled from the chains of oppression.

As I reflect on the significance of this momentous occasion, I am reminded of the countless individuals who fought tirelessly for the cause of democracy in Nigeria. I extend my deepest gratitude to Gen. Abdusalami Alhaji Abubakar, whose act of clemency paved the way for my release, and to all those who contributed to the establishment of a true democratic government in our beloved nation.

As March 4th, 2024, marks the 25th anniversary of my freedom, I am filled with a sense of humility and reverence. My journey from incarceration to liberation serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the triumph of justice over adversity. I am eternally grateful for the unwavering support of my fellow countrymen and women, and I remain committed to upholding the values of democracy and freedom for generations to come.
To God be the honor and glory, and may His blessings continue to shine upon the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Col. Bello Fadile (Ph.D Law) is human rights lawyer and retired Nigerian Army officer

Reflecting on 25 Years of Freedom from Abacha”s Death Sentence: A Journey of Resilience and Gratitude

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Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them

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Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured Nigerians in Diaspora of his administration’s determination to continue to provide the enabling environment and policies that will boost their active participation in the country’s governance.

Tinubu gave the assurance at the opening of the National Diaspora Day celebrations 2025 at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This year’s celebration is themed: “Optimizing formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and growth”.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said: “We will continue to provide an enabling platform for effective policies for the Diaspora with the view to galvanizing your support for this administration and concretizing our democracy, optimizing your potentials and setting a good example for other African countries to emulate.

“Let me also state that we will look into the Challenges NiDCOM has enumerated with a view to ameliorating same so that we can harvest maximally the benefits of migration through the engagements with our Diaspora for national development and growth.”

He added that: “It is a great delight to address our over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora on this auspicious occasion of the celebration of our National Diaspora Day 2025.”

“Only Nigerians both at home and abroad can develop Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.

The President highlighted the contributions of the diaspora, which include increasing remittances, pointing out that in 2024 alone, “Nigerians abroad sent home $20.9 billion through official channels—more than four times the value of the country’s foreign direct investment.

He said: “The Nigerians in the diaspora are also actively investing in our health care, agriculture, education, information, communication technology, housing and real estate, sports, transportation, oil and gas, and other sectors.

“This, I must say, is commendable and in our enlightened self-interest.”

The President stressed how highly the government rates the Nigerians in diaspora, saying “Our renewed hope for foreign policy recognises the diaspora as the fourth pillar for the agenda—namely democracy, demography, development, and diaspora.

In his goodwill message, the minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said:
“When you go to any part of the world, maybe in Asia, Africa, South America, you will see Nigerians excelling. Nigerians breaking barriers. Nigerians breaking ceilings. And Nigerians using ceilings as springboards to greatness.”

The Minister highlighted the economic potential of diaspora remittances—comparing Nigeria’s $21bn in 2024 remittances to $32.91bn in oil earnings and India’s $135.46bn diaspora inflows.

He said: “What does that tell you? It tells you that the power of economic emancipation, a lot of this resides within you, beyond your own imagination,” he said.

The minister also explained that the administration is laying the foundation for long-term national prosperity—even if short-term sacrifices are required.

“You cannot cure a tumor by virtue of a paracetamol. It is important that the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President came into being. And today, we can see the results. We can see the economic stability of this country,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo also spoke on the reforms in his ministry which include immigration and the protection of critical national infrastructure.

He therefore called on the diaspora community to trust in the country’s direction under President Tinubu’s leadership.

“Nigeria has never been ready for investment more than now. We are ready for investment.

“I assure you, under the leadership of this President, you will never regret your investment. Nigeria loves you. Nigeria cares about you. And this particular administration cares about you,” he said.

Earlier, in her remark, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said “The theme is apt to appreciate the efforts of both the government and the diaspora community in nation building and also to discuss how to make diaspora engagements better for national development.”

She emphasised the role of Nigerians in diaspora in the country’s development.

Dabiri-Erewa announced a proposed Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme. The initiative would allow professionals in the diaspora to take part in six-month sabbaticals in Nigeria, aimed at promoting knowledge transfer and innovation across sectors.

“It will strengthen their role in nation-building and serve as a knowledge-driven giveback to the fatherland,” she added.

Highlights of the event was the unveiling of a new Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing Platform, aimed at providing secure housing opportunities for diaspora Nigerians seeking to invest back home.

Tinubu Assures Nigerians in Diaspora of Favourable Policies Towards Them

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Nasarawa: Security operatives arrest six over kidnapping, rape and robbery in Doma

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Nasarawa: Security operatives arrest six over kidnapping, rape and robbery in Doma

By: Zagazola Makama

Security operatives in Nasarawa State have arrested six suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang responsible for a series of violent crimes in Yelwa Ediya village, Doma Local Government Area.

The suspects, identified as Darda’u Shehu, Yunusa Malami Hashimu, Musa Abubakar, Ibrahim Musa, Mohammed Musa, and Jibrin Lafia, were apprehended during a coordinated raid based on actionable intelligence from a concerned resident.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping of a local councillor, Hon. Ari Muhammad, on May 26, 2025. They further disclosed that one of their members, Darda’u Shehu, raped the councillor’s wife, Talatu Ari, during the abduction and stole two mobile phones an Infinix Note 30 valued at ₦250,000 and a Tecno phone valued at ₦20,000.

The gang also confessed to mounting a roadblock along the Doma–Yelwa Road on July 19, where they attacked one Ibrahim Haruna and snatched his Bajaj motorcycle worth ₦970,000.

Recovered from the suspects were ₦100,000 in cash and one Bajaj motorcycle believed to have been taken from one of their victims.

The suspects also named their gang leaders as Bammi Alhaji Amme (alias Zomo) and one Lawali (surname unknown), who are currently on the run.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang and bring them to justice.
End

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Police reunite two lost Beninese children with father in Lagos

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Police reunite two lost Beninese children with father in Lagos

By: Zagazola Makama

The Lagos State Police Command has reunited two young girls from the Republic of Benin with their father after they were found wandering around the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.

The children, identified as Mutiat Fatai, aged 10, and Mobubat Fatai, aged 5, were spotted by concerned traders roaming the BBA Market area of the complex on July 18. Both girls, described as black in complexion and Yoruba-speaking, could not provide any clear information about their whereabouts or destination.

Following a report, police operatives from the area promptly responded and took the children into protective custody at the station.

Four days later, on July 22, one Fatai Yayah, a resident of Isobe Lagbolugo, Ifonyin in the Republic of Benin, visited the station and positively identified the girls as his daughters. After proper verification, the children were reunited with him.

The Police said the swift action by the officers helped ensure the children’s safety, and they commended members of the public for their vigilance.

Police reunite two lost Beninese children with father in Lagos

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