Bello-Fadile’s ‘Nine Lives’ Sheds Light on the Brutal Military Regimes of Buhari, Abacha, and Others
The recently published memoir, “Nine Lives: The Bello-Fadile Memoirs,” offers a poignant reflection on one of the most brutal military eras in Nigeria’s history. The book was publicly launched in Abuja on Monday.
PRNigeria reports that “Nine Lives” offers a deeply personal perspective on Nigeria’s military history, particularly during the regimes of Muhammadu Buhari and Sani Abacha. These periods were marked by egregious human rights violations, economic struggles, and social unrest, and through his memoir, Bello-Fadile provides a unique lens through which to better understand this complex chapter in Nigeria’s past.
Written by Ralph Sixtus Babatunde (RSB) Bello-Fadile, a retired colonel of the Nigerian Army, it recounts his life experiences and career, highlighting the harrowing realities of military rule in Nigeria.
The presentation event was chaired by former Nigerian Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar and attended by distinguished guests, including former Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar, former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, and other notable figures.
Spanning 400 pages, the memoir chronicles Bello-Fadile’s early life, military service, and near-fatal encounter after his arrest in 1995 during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha. He played a pivotal role in the so-called “phantom coup” against Abacha.
Bello-Fadile recounts the harrowing saga of his arrest, trial, and subsequent death sentence, a controversy involving several prominent Nigerians, including Olusegun Obasanjo—a former general and president—and his former deputy, Shehu Yar’Adua, who died in detention.
Bello-Fadile served his prison sentence in Argungu, Kebbi State.
Published by Premium Times Books, the publishing arm of the Premium Times Group, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, remarked on the group’s mission to publish significant works that contribute to an understanding of Nigeria’s history and society. “We aim to continuously support major documentarians like Dr. Bello-Fadile as he embarks on his tenth life,” Mr. Mojeed stated during the event.
The memoir, divided into five chapters, provides insights into Bello-Fadile’s determination to transcend adversity.
According to Mr. Mojeed, Bello-Fadile’s account “expands our understanding of Nigeria and the significant role of the Nigerian Army during critical historical junctures.”
The foreword was penned by former military leader Ibrahim Babangida, who was represented by his daughter Aisha at the launch. Babangida emphasized Bello-Fadile’s notable transformation from a military officer to a lawyer, praising his resilience and intellectual journey. “He remained committed to his goals despite facing immense obstacles in his military career,” Babangida said.
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Mr. Abubakar highlighted Bello-Fadile’s dedication to the values that define Nigeria’s armed forces—loyalty, discipline, and sacrifice—remarking that his experiences shed light on the military’s crucial role in upholding democracy and national integrity.
“Given Nigeria’s current economic and social security challenges, we must look to figures like Mr. Bello-Fadile as sources of inspiration. His story exemplifies how perseverance and patriotism can guide us through difficult times,” Mr. Abubakar asserted.
The memoir was reviewed by lawyer Agbo Madaki, while Adewole Adebayo, SDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, served as the chief presenter. Mr. Madaki praised the author’s engaging narrative style and his ability to vividly recount impactful events.
Madaki noted that autobiographies serve numerous purposes, providing personal insight, motivating others, and contributing to historical understanding. “In writing his memoir, Bello-Fadile accomplishes these objectives.”
The book’s structure consists of five chapters, each detailing significant events in Bello-Fadile’s life.
Chapter One introduces Bello-Fadile’s early life in Kabba, Kogi State, where he faced challenges due to his father’s absence and his mother’s struggle to provide for the family. Despite hardships, he reflects on his family’s legacy and cultural heritage.
After facing financial difficulties in pursuing further education, he received support from a relative to attend Teacher Training College in Ilorin in 1966, where he obtained his Teacher Grade 2 certificate.
Between 1972 and 1974, he completed the 11th regular combatant course at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was subsequently sponsored to study law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria—an unprecedented achievement for a Nigerian military officer. He earned his LL.B degree in June 1977, becoming the first lawyer produced by the Nigerian Army.
Chapter Two, titled “Service as the First Military Trained Lawyer,” explores his journey as a defense lawyer for officers accused of plotting a coup and highlights his involvement in the Back to Barracks Campaign before his arrest in February 1995.
In Chapter Three, Bello-Fadile discusses the history of coups d’état in Nigeria, offering a critical examination of political instability and its repercussions.
Chapter Four, “The End of the Enterprise, The End Before the Beginning,” delves into his trial and conviction for treason, revealing the intricacies of betrayal and conspiracy he faced during that turbulent period.
With a reflective opening, Bello-Fadile writes, “Despite knowing the profound dangers of dreaming of democracy amid military rule, I dared to hope and act.” This sentiment captures the essence of his struggle against a backdrop of significant political turmoil.
In Chapter Five, he recounts his harrowing experiences in detention and his eventual release following a state pardon granted by Mr. Abubakar on March 4, 1999.
By PRNigeria
