The first military-trained lawyer with a PhD in International Law in Nigeria, Col. Bello Fadile (rtd), has marked the 30 years remembrance of being implicated in an alleged coup by the regime of late General Sani Abacha.
On July 14, 1995, Fadile, then a senior military intelligence officer, stood before Nigeria’s Special Military Tribunal as Accused Number One in what would become known as the “Phantom Coup” trial under General Sani Abacha’s military regime.
Fadile, who earlier this year captured his experience in a book, “Nine Lives: The Bello-Fadile Memoirs”, recalled in a statement on Sunday, stating “on that day, he was sentenced to death by firing squad—a moment that could have marked the end of his life and career”.
Fadile, who chairs the Council for African Security Affairs, expressed gratitude that 30 years later, he stands not as a forgotten footnote of Nigeria’s turbulent military history but as a redeemed figure of resilience and divine preservation.
Recalling the fateful day, the Nigerian Army’s first lawyer shared a reflection of that fateful event: “We were shackled not just by handcuffs, but by the silence of injustice. Yet we sang our anthem of hope: He can deliver those who trust in Him abundantly.”
According to Fadile, the trial was a pre-written drama whose outcome was decided long before the proceedings began. “We weren’t judged; we were performed against,” he stated.
The retired officer and author recounted how divine intervention rewrote the script. His death sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. After three years, seven months, and eighteen days behind bars, he regained his freedom, full rank, and benefits.
“When God speaks, no decree of man can stand,” he affirmed. “Life was meant to decay, but God said live.”
He used the anniversary to remind Nigerians of the country’s dark past and the importance of defending truth, justice, and democracy.
“This is not just my testimony; it is a national lesson. No matter how long injustice reigns, truth ultimately prevails,” Fadile said.
The retired Colonel also urged reflection and reform, noting that systems of injustice—whose present or future—must tremble before the higher call of justice and mercy.
As he put it: “Jesus reigneth, let the earth tremble. Let the nations tremble. Let systems of injustice tremble”.
Fadile now works in law, peacebuilding, and security consultancy and continues to serve as a voice of conscience and resilience in Nigeria’s evolving democratic journey.
