society
Arrest: Prof Usman Yusuf’s Family Seeks US Diplomatic Intervention
Arrest: Prof Usman Yusuf’s Family Seeks US Diplomatic Intervention
The wife and sons of Prof Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), have formally requested diplomatic intervention from the United States government to secure his immediate release.
In a letter dated February 18, 2025, Iftikar Abdallah Yusuf, the professor’s wife, addressed the American Embassy under the title, “Re: Request For Consular Assistance For My Husband, Professor Usman Yusuf.” Simultaneously, the couple’s three sons, Abdullah, Adnan, and Luqman, sent a joint letter to Senator Richard J. Durbin, representing Chicago, Illinois, titled, “Re: Request for the Immediate Release of Our Father, Prof Usman Yusuf.”
Prof Yusuf is currently facing a five-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The allegations include embezzlement and the approval of undue advantages during his tenure as NHIS boss from 2016 to 2019. One key charge concerns approving the purchase of a vehicle for N49,197,750, exceeding the budgeted N30 million. Prof Yusuf has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu, presiding over the case, adjourned the bail ruling to February 27, while ordering the defendant’s detention at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In her letter, Mrs. Yusuf implored the American Embassy to secure her husband’s release and ensure his rights and access to a fair trial are respected. Highlighting the family’s dual citizenship status, she emphasized that her husband is being unlawfully detained and subjected to political persecution.
“My husband’s constitutionally guaranteed rights have been repeatedly violated by President Bola Tinubu’s government. He was forcefully abducted from our home by heavily armed EFCC personnel without a formal invitation or arrest warrant. He was also denied phone calls to his family and lawyers, refused bail, and incarcerated at Kuje Prison,” she stated.
Mrs. Yusuf expressed further concerns about her husband’s health, noting that he has been denied access to his doctors. She linked his detention to his outspoken criticism of President Tinubu’s economic policies, which she argued have imposed “unbearable hardships on Nigerians.”
The sons echoed similar sentiments in their letter to Senator Durbin, emphasizing their concerns over their father’s health and accusing the EFCC of engaging in political persecution.
“Our father’s abduction and detention by the EFCC, denial of bail, and incarceration in Kuje Prison are nothing but political persecution because he has been a very vocal critic of President Tinubu’s economic policies that have been inflicting unbearable hardships on Nigerians,” they wrote.
The family is seeking urgent diplomatic assistance to ensure Prof Usman Yusuf’s safety and prompt release, as well as a transparent legal process moving forward.
society
Opinion: Doris Ogala should refrain from mentioning Dr. Chris Okafor’s name given his marital status.
Opinion: Doris Ogala should refrain from mentioning Dr. Chris Okafor’s name given his marital status.
…He is not accountable for your predicament; kindly address your case file.
Meta Facebook should take immediate action to sanitize its platform of individuals like Doris who are spreading malicious content, and Doris should be careful when referencing Lagos-based well-known Pastor Dr. Chris Okafor in connection to her faded career
Doris Ogala should be aware that the Generational Prophet is now in a fulfilling marriage with his spouse, and her recent troubles are exclusively attributed to the ancestral curse that has been a persistent issue since her previous union, which her current husband had not yet discovered.
When a grown up woman lack wisdom and good parental upbringing what should be expected from such woman is exactly what Doris Ogala portraying as human beings that fabricated lies against a true man of God and go scout-free so, no one is expected to sympathized with the faded-away actress known as Doris Ogala and she must dearly pay for her evil manipulation as nemesis hunting her back.
It’s prudent for Doris Ogala, or those close to her, to be aware of the potential risks associated with her claims regarding Dr. Chris Okafor, a married man. Without proper justification, such actions could lead to severe repercussions. The challenges she faces might be linked to her actions, and a genuine change might mitigate her situation.
Consider how the spouse of the person you’re criticizing online might feel when you address them so informally. Don’t you think she’s capable of facing you? While she may not respond to provocations, it’s advisable not to provoke further
I am taking this opportunity to advise Doris Ogala to reconsider her actions and prioritize her career by refraining from mentioning the name of a man who does not reciprocate her interest. It would also be prudent for Doris Ogala to reflect on her age and compare it with the age of the person she is so ardently pursuing and to respect the sanctity of his home, which would invite divine blessings and a peaceful life of her own if she dedicates her life to Christ, potentially reversing any adverse fate that may be looming over her.
Sincerely dedicating your life to Christ and amending your behavior can lead to divine mercy and a stable living arrangement; in my considered opinion, reforming one’s ways can yield compassion.
John Linus writes from Onitsha
society
Banwo Identifies Structural Challenges Limiting Opposition
Banwo Identifies Structural Challenges Limiting Opposition
Public commentator Dr. Ope Banwo has identified key structural and strategic challenges limiting the effectiveness of opposition parties in Nigeria.
In a statement released from his base in America, Banwo outlined several factors, including internal divisions, weak grassroots presence, and lack of clear policy alternatives, as major obstacles facing opposition groups.
“One of the biggest issues is fragmentation. There are too many interests and not enough coordination,” he said.
He noted that multiple presidential ambitions within opposition ranks could make it difficult to build consensus around a single candidate.
Banwo also emphasised the importance of grassroots political structures, stating that electoral success in Nigeria depends heavily on local-level organisation.
“Elections are not won on social media. They are won through presence and coordination at the community level,” he explained.
Another concern raised by Banwo is what he described as inconsistent messaging from opposition parties, which he said could make it difficult for voters to identify a clear alternative to the current administration.
“Criticism alone is not enough. Voters want to see a defined direction and credible leadership,” he added.
He further pointed to the challenges of funding and long-term planning, noting that successful political campaigns require sustained investment and discipline.
According to him, defeating an incumbent government demands a high level of coordination, including strong alliances and a unified national strategy.
Banwo, however, suggested that there remains an opportunity for opposition parties to reposition themselves if they address these challenges early.
He stressed the need for compromise among political leaders, urging them to prioritise collective goals over individual ambitions.
“If there is unity, structure, and clarity of purpose, the political landscape can still change,” he said.
He concluded that the strength of any democracy depends on the presence of a viable opposition capable of offering credible alternatives to voters
society
koloman’s: Daddy @pastorumoeno we’re still waiting for your benevolence sir
koloman’s: Daddy @pastorumoeno we’re still waiting for your benevolence sir
@igosave @okonlagos @nedu_official @yawnaija @deehumorous @senatorcomedian @akwaibomstategovt
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