Abuja, Nigeria – Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, has stirred controversy by alleging that the Tinubu administration is weaponizing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to silence critics.
In a revealing interview with Arise Television on Sunday, Yusuf claimed that his recent ordeal with the EFCC was part of a broader strategy by President Bola Tinubu’s government to suppress dissent. His allegations have intensified concerns over the state of democratic freedoms under the current administration.
Usman Yusuf Accuses Tinubu Administration of Abusing EFCC Powers
During the interview, Usman Yusuf accused the Tinubu administration of orchestrating his arrest and detention without due process. He recounted how EFCC operatives stormed his residence on January 29, 2025, without presenting an arrest warrant.
“They simply walked into my house, claimed I was expecting them, and only showed their badges later,” Yusuf stated.
He described the manner of his arrest as degrading, revealing that EFCC officers barred his wife from giving him a change of clothes and treated him “like a captured terrorist” rather than a respected public servant.
The former NHIS boss emphasized that the events were part of a deliberate effort to intimidate him for his critical stance against the government.
Detention Without Bail: Usman Yusuf Decries Violation of Rights
Highlighting the legal irregularities in his case, Usman Yusuf accused the Tinubu administration of denying him his constitutional right to bail.
After spending six days in EFCC custody, Yusuf was arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory High Court on a five-count charge of alleged fraud. Despite pleading not guilty, he was denied bail and subsequently remanded at Kuje Prison.
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“Bail is a constitutional right except for cases involving capital offenses or terrorism. My charges were neither,” Yusuf explained.
Yusuf spent an additional 24 days at Kuje Prison. He described his imprisonment as a period of reflection and resilience, asserting that the experience only strengthened his determination to speak against injustices.
Usman Yusuf Accuses Tinubu Administration of Silencing Dissent
In one of the strongest points of his interview, Usman Yusuf accused the Tinubu administration of attempting to muzzle dissenting voices and pave the way for a one-party dictatorial system.
“This government is using institutions like the EFCC to shake up critics and silence opposition. But I will not be silenced,” Yusuf declared.
He drew historical parallels, pointing out that President Bola Tinubu, once a leading figure in NADECO during the pro-democracy struggle against military rule, is now presiding over a government allegedly employing repressive tactics.
“It’s ironic and tragic. The same man who fought for democracy is now undermining it,” Yusuf said.
Background: Usman Yusuf’s Contentious Public Service Record
Professor Usman Yusuf is no stranger to controversy. Appointed NHIS Executive Secretary in 2016 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Yusuf’s tenure was marked by repeated allegations of financial mismanagement.
In 2017 and again in 2018, he faced suspension — first by the Minister of Health and later by the NHIS Governing Board — following accusations of corruption and abuse of office. His eventual removal from office in 2019 capped a tumultuous period in Nigeria’s health sector.
Despite his controversial past, Yusuf has remained vocal on national issues, frequently criticizing government policies and championing reforms in governance and public health.
Growing Concerns Over Democratic Erosion
With Usman Yusuf accusing the Tinubu administration of weaponizing anti-corruption agencies, many political analysts and civil society groups are raising alarms about Nigeria’s democratic future.
Legal experts argue that using state agencies to settle political scores erodes public trust in governance. Human rights advocates insist that freedom of speech and fair legal processes must be preserved if Nigeria is to avoid sliding into authoritarianism.
“No democracy can survive when critics are hounded and persecuted,” warned Barrister Ifeanyi Udeh, a constitutional lawyer based in Abuja.
The allegations by Yusuf have added fuel to an ongoing debate about whether Nigeria’s democracy is truly maturing or regressing under President Tinubu’s leadership.
Conclusion: The Battle for Nigeria’s Democratic Soul
As Usman Yusuf accuses the Tinubu administration, the spotlight is once again on Nigeria’s fragile democracy. Whether Yusuf’s claims will trigger reforms, investigations, or merely political backlash remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: the debate over the use of state power against critics has been reignited, and Nigerians are watching closely.
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