As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day on June 12, a former political detainee has shared a personal reflection on his incarceration during the military regime of late General Sani Abacha.
In a heartfelt message, he recounted a recent visit to the Aba Prison in Abia State, where he spent four years of a 15-year sentence for treason. His imprisonment began at Kiri Kiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos before he was transferred to Port Harcourt and later to Aba Prison.
He noted that one of his fellow detainees at the time was the late Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, a prominent human rights activist. He also mentioned Uba Sani—now Governor of Kaduna State—as his main contact with the outside world during the ordeal, though they eventually lost communication after Sani was also arrested.
“Aba Prison holds deep historical significance,” he wrote, noting that Major Kaduna Nzeogwu and other key figures involved in Nigeria’s first military coup were once detained there.
He shared a photograph taken in 1995 by a prison staff member, who has since retired. While acknowledging the harsh conditions and brutal treatment from some officials, he expressed eternal gratitude to Mrs. Theresa Okoko and others who showed compassion during his imprisonment.
“To God be the glory,” he concluded, reflecting on his survival and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of democracy.
Senator Shehu Sani while in Prison
June 12 is recognized in Nigeria as Democracy Day, in honor of the country’s struggle against military rule and the annulled 1993 presidential election widely believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Abiola.
