Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has made serious allegations against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In an explosive interview with Arise Television on Sunday, Yusuf claimed the government is weaponising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate and silence critics, including himself.
Allegations of Political Persecution
Yusuf recounted his ordeal, describing his recent arrest and detention by EFCC operatives as a calculated attempt to break his spirit and suppress his voice.
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- Detention Without Proper Procedure:
Yusuf said EFCC officials stormed his Abuja residence on January 29 without presenting an arrest warrant. According to him, the agents merely flashed their badges after entering, and prevented him from changing clothes or receiving clothing from his wife. - Dehumanizing Treatment:
The former NHIS boss compared the treatment he received to that of notorious criminals, saying, “They treated me as if they had captured Kachalla Bello Turji,” referencing a well-known bandit leader in Nigeria.
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- Prolonged Detention:
After his arrest, Yusuf spent six days in EFCC custody before being arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on a five-count charge of alleged fraud, to which he pleaded not guilty. - Denial of Bail:
Yusuf criticised the judiciary’s decision to deny him bail, labeling it unconstitutional. “Bail is a constitutionally guaranteed right for any accused person, except for capital offences or terrorism — and my case was neither,” he argued. - Time in Kuje Prison:
Following his denied bail, Yusuf spent 24 days at Kuje Correctional Centre. He described this period as a time of “retreat for rest, prayers, and reflection,” adding that the experience only strengthened his resolve.
Wider Implications for Democracy
Professor Yusuf did not limit his criticism to his personal ordeal. He warned that the Tinubu administration is taking Nigeria down a dangerous path:
- Suppression of Dissent:
Yusuf accused the government of deliberately stifling democratic criticism and fostering an environment of fear. - Emergence of Dictatorship:
He warned that Nigeria risks becoming a “one-party dictatorial state,” accusing Tinubu of abandoning his roots as a pro-democracy activist during the military era. - Quote on Tinubu’s Transformation:
“This is coming from a president who himself was once a NADECO activist — someone who fought against military dictatorship,” Yusuf stated, expressing his disappointment.
Background on Usman Yusuf
- Appointment and Tenure:
Yusuf was appointed as Executive Secretary of the NHIS in 2016 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. - Suspensions and Removal:
He was suspended in 2017 and again in 2018 by the Minister of Health and the NHIS governing board over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. His tenure ended officially in 2019 when he was removed from office. - Previous Controversies:
Yusuf had faced allegations related to financial improprieties during his time at NHIS, although he has consistently maintained his innocence.
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Editor’s Note
Professor Usman Yusuf’s explosive claims cast a shadow over President Bola Tinubu’s administration, raising serious concerns about the independence of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies and the state of democratic freedoms in the country. His allegations, if proven true, suggest a disturbing pattern of using state institutions to muzzle dissent — a sharp contradiction to the democratic ideals many Nigerians hoped Tinubu would uphold.
