Northern groups condemn EFCC’s arrest of Ex-NHIS Boss Usman Yusuf, call it political persecution; anti-corruption agency responds

SAHARA REPORTERS

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the arrest and continued detention of Prof. Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

It described Yusuf’s arrest and detention as an attempt to silence government critics.

In a statement signed by Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, CNG National Coordinator, the group labeled the arrest as “political persecution” and a violation of free speech.

Yusuf has been an outspoken critic of the current administration, frequently challenging its policies and advocating for good governance, transparency, and accountability.

The CNG acknowledged the EFCC’s mandate to investigate individuals suspected of wrongdoing but argued that the agency appears to be selectively targeting critics of the government while shielding corrupt individuals aligned with those in power.

The group warned that suppressing dissenting voices through intimidation and arbitrary arrests could set a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.

It called on the Tinubu administration to respect democratic principles by allowing room for constructive criticism.

The CNG demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Yusuf and urged the government to focus on addressing the country’s pressing challenges rather than targeting opposition figures.

The group called on civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to take note of what it described as a growing trend of repression and to hold the government accountable for actions that threaten Nigeria’s democratic progress.

It said, “The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) strongly condemns the arrest and continued detention of Prof. Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“Prof. Yusuf has, in recent times, emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the current administration, fearlessly exposing the failings of its policies and calling for good governance, transparency, and accountability. His arrest, therefore, is not only a blatant act of political persecution but also a clear attempt to intimidate opposition and suppress free speech.

“While the CNG recognises that the EFCC or any agency has the mandate to invite or arrest any person suspected of wrongdoing, it rejects politically orchestrated silencing of people that are critical to the government whereas many corrupt people are being shielded and pampered by the same government.

“The CNG finds it deeply troubling that an administration that once thrived on opposition politics and enjoyed the freedom to criticize previous governments is now resorting to draconian measures to stifle democratic engagement. Such acts of political suppression set a dangerous precedent and threaten the very foundations of Nigeria’s democracy.

“We cannot afford to regress into an era where dissent is criminalized and opposition voices are forcefully silenced through harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrest.

“The CNG demands the immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Yusuf. We urge the government to focus on addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation, rather than expending energy on silencing critics.”

“Democracy thrives on dialogue, debate, and the free exchange of ideas, not on the suppression of dissenting voices,” it said.

In response to the allegations, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale denied any political motive behind Yusuf’s arrest.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, he emphasized that the case was based on a 2018 petition and was unrelated to the professor’s stance on government policies.

“We should not politicize corruption cases. There is nothing linking his government criticism to the charges against him. The petition was submitted in 2018, and after five years of diligent investigation, it led to his arrest and arraignment. He has been taken to court, and the law should take its course,” Oyewale stated.

He further noted that Yusuf is not the only government critic, arguing that many opposition leaders and civil society organizations continue to operate freely without interference.

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS