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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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CAS APPOINTS AIR COMMODORE OLUSOLA AKINBOYEWA AS DOPRI, REDEPLOYS AIR VICE MARSHAL EDWARD GABKWET TO CMR BRANCH

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CAS APPOINTS AIR COMMODORE OLUSOLA AKINBOYEWA AS DOPRI, REDEPLOYS AIR VICE MARSHAL EDWARD GABKWET TO CMR BRANCH

By: Our Reporter

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has approved the appointment of Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa as the new Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The CAS also approved the redeployment of the erstwhile DOPRI, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, to the newly established NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch as Director of Coordination and Cooperation.

This strategic realignment is part of the NAF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its public and community engagement functions, while also ensuring a more robust and effective interface with the general public and stakeholders. As the new Spokesperson, Air Commodore Akinboyewa is expected to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor by overseeing NAF’s media engagements, strategic communications, and information dissemination, while building perception, maintaining transparency and further enhancing public trust and confidence.

Air Commodore Akinboyewa hails from Ondo West Local Government Area in Ondo State. A member of the 43rd Regular Combatant Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the NDA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, and a Masters Degree in Security and Strategic Studies from the NDA. Throughout his career, he has held numerous key command and staff appointments and attended various courses both locally and internationally. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the National Defence College Nigeria and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

CAS APPOINTS AIR COMMODORE OLUSOLA AKINBOYEWA AS DOPRI, REDEPLOYS AIR VICE MARSHAL EDWARD GABKWET TO CMR BRANCH

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Justice of the Supreme Court, Adumein, commends CICFIN for deploying Technology to fight corruption

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Justice of the Supreme Court, Adumein, commends CICFIN for deploying Technology to fight corruption

By: Michael Mike

Justice of the Supreme Court, Moore Abraham Aseimo Adumein has commended the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), for deploying cutting edge technology and forensic tools to root out corruption and financial crimes in the country.

“This is a game changer in winning the war on corruption and financial crimes currently bleeding the country dry,” he declared.


He was speaking recently during the Institute’s 9th Direct membership training graduation and Fellowship award ceremony at EFCC Academy in Abuja, shortly after his conferment as a Fellow of the Institute.

Justice Adumein enjoined Nigerians to brace up to fight corruption to a standstill. “Winning the war against corruption is a task for all Nigerians,” he posited adding: “We should always examine our consciences and if we do so by standing firm, honest, just and equitable in what we do in our respective offices or in all areas of our endeavour, I can tell you that we will live up to some of the portions of our renewed National Anthem, and we will definitely build a nation ‘where no man is oppressed, a nation blessed with peace and plenty, and handover to our children banners without stain.’”
Justice Abraham Aseimo Adumein, has an impeccable track record in the Nigerian judiciary long before his ascension to the Supreme Court as an anti-corruption crusader.

This obviously informed his choice as one of the few Nigerians on the bench found worthy and given approval to undertake a Post Graduate Certificate course in Corruption Studies at Hong Kong University in collaboration with the world renowned Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Academy, Hong Kong.

The President and Chairman-in-Council, CICFIN, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki said the Justice is an anti- corruption warrior who the Institute is privileged to have as an ally “as we roll up our sleeves to root out corruption, fraud and other financial crimes in Nigeria.”
Speaking earlier on the topic: “Forensics: The Game Changer to Nigeria’s FINTECHs Trillion Naira Loss,” Gashinbaki underscored the crucial role of forensics and fraud investigations in securing Nigeria’s financial system against frauds and economic crimes.

He said Financial Technology (Fintech) companies have been one of the most significant drivers of the economic growth in Nigeria and Africa, adding, however, that its rapid expansion has been accompanied by rising threats of frauds, cybercrimes and identity theft.

He therefore charged the new grandaunts of the Institute to make good use of the knowledge they had acquired in their training and position themselves to tackle Fintech associated frauds and other emerging financial crimes in the Nigerian economy.

The 9th Direct training of the Institute had 70 as chartered certified members with Fellowship bestowed on15 eminent personalities from different fields of endeavour.

Justice of the Supreme Court, Adumein, commends CICFIN for deploying Technology to fight corruption

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“YSU will support the Military in the fight against insurgency” ~VC

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“YSU will support the Military in the fight against insurgency” ~VC

By: Kolo Gulani

The Vice-Chancellor of Yobe State University, Prof. Mala Mohammed Daura, has expressed the readiness of the University to support the Nigerian Army and the military in general in the fight against insurgency in the state and the region.

The Vice-Chancellor made the assertion today 8th October, 2024 when Brig. Gen. EC Ineme paid him a familiaration visit in his office.

Prof. Daura said the University has expertises and manpower that will assist the military in conducting research in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the state and the country.

The Vice-Chancellor said the doors are always open for consultation that would aid the military and the University when the need arises.

On his part, the Commander Logistics Base of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. EC Ineme, said the visit was to synergise with the University and to cement the existing relationship between the institution and the Nigerian Army considering the proximity.

“YSU will support the Military in the fight against insurgency” ~VC

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