Obasanjo Reveals Shocking Prison Ordeal: "Abiola, Yar’Adua and I Were Told We Would Not Leave Prison Alive"

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has made a chilling revelation about his time in prison during the military regime of the 1990s. In a recent public address, Obasanjo stated that he, along with late Chief Moshood Abiola and General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, was told by their captors that they would not leave prison alive.

A Dark Time in Nigeria’s History

Obasanjo was imprisoned in 1995 by the military government of General Sani Abacha. His arrest, along with that of prominent political figures like MKO Abiola (winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election) and General Yar’Adua (former Chief of Staff), marked a period of intense political repression in Nigeria.

He described how their arrests were not just acts of political intimidation, but part of a broader scheme to silence those who stood for democracy and justice. According to him, a senior official openly declared that the goal was to ensure they never returned from prison alive.

The Fate of Abiola and Yar’Adua

Sadly, Obasanjo’s grim recollection aligns with the tragic fate of his fellow inmates. General Yar’Adua died in prison under suspicious circumstances in 1997, while Chief Abiola died in detention in 1998, just days before he was to be released. Their deaths were widely viewed as politically motivated, deepening the nation’s distrust in the military regime.

Obasanjo’s Survival and Comeback

Unlike his peers, Obasanjo survived the ordeal. After Abacha’s sudden death in 1998, Obasanjo was released and went on to become Nigeria’s democratically elected president in 1999. He has often referred to his survival as an act of divine grace and a call to continue fighting for the nation’s democratic future.

A Reflection on Nigeria’s Democratic Journey

Obasanjo’s recent remarks serve as a reminder of Nigeria’s turbulent road to democracy. He emphasized the importance of learning from the past, appreciating the sacrifices made by others, and strengthening the rule of law to ensure that such dark chapters never repeat themselves.

A Warning for the Future

In his speech, Obasanjo urged current and future leaders to respect human rights, uphold democratic values, and never allow political power to be abused the way it was during the military era. He stressed that the country’s freedom came at a high cost, and that citizens must remain vigilant to protect it.

Written By Fortune Davidson