A retired Nigerian Army officer Col. Bello Fadile (Ph.D Law) has reflected on the momentous occasion of his release 25 years ago from Argungu Prison, now known as a Correctional Facility, in Kebbi State.
Bello, in a chat with some journalists at the weekend, shed light on the events surrounding his unexpected liberation from what was as a life sentence under the regime of late Gen. Sani Abacha.
The ex-intelligence officer noted that he was court-martialled to “life sentence” for advocating a non-violent composition of an Interim Government to replace the military junta of his then friend and boss, Abacha.
Fadile vividly recalled the early hours of March 4, 1999, when he received the life-changing news. A tap on his cell window jolted him awake, and to his surprise, he found a retired Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army, now working as a warder, delivering the long-awaited message of freedom. With a sense of disbelief and overwhelming gratitude, Fadile hastily shared the news with his fellow inmates, marking the end of a three-day period of fervent prayer and fasting.
In his testimony, which forms part of his upcoming book, “Nine Lives: The Bello Fadile Memoirs”, he narrated: “…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!”
Fadile continued, noting that amidst expressions of joy and gratitude, he has prepared to leave his confinement behind when the Officer-In-Charge delivered the official announcement of his pardon by then-Head of State and Commander-In-Chief, General Abdusalami Abubakar.
According to the human rights lawyer, it was with a newfound sense of freedom and a deep appreciation for those who supported him during his ordeal that he stepped out of the prison gates into a new chapter of his life on that fateful day.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Fadile expressed gratitude to Gen Abdusalami Abubakar and all those who contributed to the establishment of a true democratic government in Nigeria. He also extended his appreciation to the Nigerian Military, emphasising his enduring love for his country.
He said: “Thereafter I went to my cell, packed my stuff and went to take a shower. At about 5:30am, March 4 1999, the Officer-In-Charge came to my cell and as usual, said; Doctor, you are free ooo and you have to go out of my yard before 6am today. The Head of State and Commander-In-Chief, General Abdusalami Alhaji Abubakar has granted you and your colleagues a state pardon. Congratulations sir.”
“And so it was 25 years ago that I breathed the air of freedom. To God be the honor and glory and of course gratitude to Gen. AA Abubakar (GCON) former Head of State. Special thanks to all others on whichever sides of the divide they were during the struggle to establish a truly democratic government in our dear motherland -Nigeria. God bless the Nigerian Military, my first love, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”
As March 4, 2024, marked the 25th anniversary of his freedom, Fadile stressed that his account is.to.serves as a poignant reminder of resilience, faith, and the triumph of justice over adversity.
