Politics
I cannot be silenced – Former NHIA boss declares from detention
Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Prof. Usman Yusuf, who is facing corruption charges, has shared a detailed account of his treatment at the hands of security forces and Nigerian Correctional Service officials.
Yusuf, a Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation professor, had been an outspoken critic of President Bola Tinubu, his administration, and policies.
His troubles reportedly began after a controversial interview criticizing Nigeria’s growing ties with France, along with other public comments that allegedly disturbed the government.
He was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and charged with five counts, including alleged embezzlement and self-benefit during his time as NHIA head in 2016. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On Wednesday, an FCT High Court delayed ruling on his bail request, with Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu ordering that he be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre until February 27.
Following the decision, Yusuf characterized his situation as part of a government effort to silence him.
Yusuf expressed confidence in his legal team and reiterated his belief that the charges against him were unfounded.
He also thanked his supporters both locally and internationally, stressing that he would not be intimidated by what he described as the authoritarian tactics of President Tinubu’s leadership.
He criticized the government’s response to his criticisms and the surveillance on him and his family.
Yusuf indicated that his ordeal escalated after his remarks at the Northern Youths Summit in Bauchi.
He detailed his detention, beginning with his arrest on January 29, 2025, by EFCC officials who arrived at his home without an arrest warrant.
He described a chaotic scene with his wife and daughter distressed by the encounter. He was transported to EFCC headquarters, where he was interrogated and later detained for several days.
Yusuf recounted his experience in detention, emphasizing the stark conditions and his interactions with other detainees.
Despite the harsh circumstances, he found solace in the respect from fellow inmates and reflected on the stories of those incarcerated, many of whom were awaiting trial for extended periods.
After being transferred to Kuje Prison, he was placed in the segregation unit, a facility for VIP inmates, where he observed the daily lives of prisoners.
He noted the overcrowding and the struggles faced by many detainees, particularly those who had been in prison for years without trial.
Yusuf ended his account by expressing that his time in prison had given him a new perspective on the plight of Nigeria’s incarcerated youth, and he vowed to advocate for change when he is released.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that he’s still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Wike’s comment followed his expulsion from the party by the faction led by National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki.
Turaki had formally dispatched expulsion certificates to 11 prominent party chieftains, including Wike, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade, SAN, Abdurahman Muhammad Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
He said their expulsion was aimed at sanitising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Wike dismissed the claim while assuring that he would continue to work with other party members in making PDP a relevant opposition party.
The minister spoke while addressing journalists after inspecting the Interchange bridge and road linking Gwarinpa with Jahi and direct to Katampe, Gishiri and Maitama.
He said, “Those that are factionalized are bound to leave the party, I’m still in PDP and you can see that not everybody has left.
“We still have good numbers and we will continue to work together and that’s what I have said to the party. Put your house in order because at the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it’s the party that is losing.
“So those who are worried, we can work together to see how the party can remain a relevant opposition.”
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
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