Life story of a reporter’s experiences when Nigeria’s former Military Head of State, the late Gen Sani Abacha, ordered the closure of one of the nation’s foremost and authoritative newspapers, The Guardian, between Wednesday, May 29, and Saturday June 8, 1991.
By Banji Ayoola
Day 4: Saturday June 1, 1991
Uncle Ben Tomoloju came to pick me at home about 10am. We left for Oga Bayo’s place to pick his wife. We learnt she had gone to Kirikiri. We drove to Kirikiri where we found her.
Uncle BT, Oga Bayo’s wife and I were allowed in. We saw only Oga Bayo who was brought out to the Sergeant General’s office. Oga Bayo said that they had not been taking the Prison’s food. We were prevented from bringing in the food specially prepared by Oga Bayo’s wife. She wept.
Oga Bayo expressed concern over Governor Rasaki’s broadcast. He thought The Guardian would apologise. He said that they slept on mat, a ‘privilege.’ He had not taken a bath. The wife gave him new clothing amid tears. She broke down in tears. He comforted her assuring her that they were OK and asking that she and we should go.
By this time, his elder brother with some other relatives had arrived. Also, the Deputy Chief Sub Editor, Mr Gbenga Omotoso and Ray Onwuemegbulam had arrived. Oga Bayo’s brother was allowed in after “settlement.” We also “settled” before we entered. ASP Aworinde Lawson who was not on duty then came in mufti to meet us. He wore silk buba and sokoto. He assisted us.
Thereafter we divided ourselves: Mr Gbenga Omotoso and Ray Onwuegbulam to go to Ben Akparanta’s place and McDonald Ikoyi; Uncle Ben Tomoloju and I to see Taiwo Akerele’s wife. We learnt that Tunde Sulaiman’s people had come. So, we left. I got down at Ojuelegba.
Day Five: Sunday, June 2, 1991
Uncle Ben Tomoloju came to pick me at home about 9am. I was about taking breakfast – bread. I took it, bread and akara, with Uncle BT on the way. We drove to Oga Bayo’s place to pick his wife. There, we met the Property and Environment Editor, Mr Paul Okunlola, Editor of Punch, Mr Ademola Osinubi and wife, and Oga Bayo’s other relatives.
Oga Bayo’s wife bought provision. Uncle BT gave her N20 for Ragolis water. Then we left for Kirikiri via Taiwo Akerele’s house. Uncle BT, Mr Okunlola, Oga Bayo’s wife and I left in Oga BT’s car. Mr Ademola Osinubi and wife followed in his official car. Another car followed. Taiwo Akerele’s place was locked.
At Kirikiri, we met Mr Gbenga Omotoso. We were not allowed in to see our men because according to prison officials, the day was for visiting convicts, while Monday to Friday were for visiting those awaiting trial. The officials told us that some of our ogas and colleagues had earlier visited and brought food items. Oga Bayo’s wife passed some provision through the warders.
We left. Uncle BT, Mr Okunlola and I went to Mr Jide Ogundele who told us that our Ibadan Correspondent, Mr Tajudeen Kareem, who was also facing sedition charge in Ibadan was OK. He said that he would see the Editor, Mr Femi Kusa and the Deputy Editor, Mr Kingsley Osadolor on the latest development. So, we left. I came back home to sleep.
The Punch Editor, Mr Ademola Osinubi gave some money to Oga Bayo’s wife. He tried frantically to go in and see Oga Bayo and others. But we were not allowed in. Mr Paul Okunlola also gave N50 to Uncle BT to give our men the following day.
Before we left Kirikiri, Uncle BT, Mr Okunlola and I arranged that Uncle BT should go with Oga Bayo’s wife to Kirikiri while Mr Okunlola and I should wait for Uncle BT at Ikeja High Court the following day, Monday.
Day Six: Monday, June 3, 1991
I went to High Court 1 Ikeja to check development as regards the application/motion for bail, and also to meet Uncle Ben Tomoloju and Mr Paul Okunlola. I learnt that no application had been filed. I went to Magistrate Court 1. Nothing.
Then I went to Rutam House where I met David Ogah, Andrew Okeleke, Mr Jahman Anikulapo, Austin Agbonsuremi and Charles Okonye discussing the event. Later the Editor, Mr Femi Kusa; Deputy Editor, Mr Kingsley Osadolor; Business Manager, Mr Bolaji D’Almeida; Company lawyer, Mr Babatunde Ogala; News Editor, Mr Ogbuagu Anikwe and Mr Edetaen Ojo came in The Guardian bus and Editor’s car.
The Editor, Mr Femi Kusa informed us that The Guardian would not apologise, and that The Guardian would go to court.
Mr Jide Ogundele and Mr Onajomo Orere were also around. Thereafter, we dispersed. David Ogah, Andrew Okeleke, Austin Agbonsuremi and I left for Austin’s place. His wife prepared rice for us. Mr Jahman Anikulapo left for Uncle Ben Tomoloju’s place.
Day Seven: Tuesday, June 4, 1991
The Guardian went to court.
Day 8: Wednesday, June 5, 1991
I did not record anything.
Day Nine: Thursday, June 6, 1991
In a dream, I saw that our men were freed. In the dream, I saw Ben Akparanta, who told me that they had been released.
Day 10: Friday, June 7, 1991
In another dream, I saw Oga Bayo brought out from the cell and released.
Day 11: Saturday, June 8, 1991
Governor Raji Rasaki ,in a statement through his Information commissioner, ordered the reopening of The Guardian premises.
END
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NOTE: These are the reporter’s personal notes of what he witnessed, which are not exhaustive. He did not record all the activities and contributions. For instance, he just learnt only recently ago that the Publisher, Mr Alex Ibru, was also in the Magistrate Court when The Guardian men were arraigned. All the behind-the-scenes activities were not recorded. Neither were all the visits, efforts and contributions by all Management and staff members and well wishers recorded. He tried not to edit the diary to preserve the originality.
