Prof. Usman Yusuf

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria (NCMN) has strongly condemned the recent arrest and arraignment of Prof. Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and Omoyele Sowore, a 2023 presidential aspirant from the African Action Congress (AAC). 

According to the NCMN, the actions taken against Prof. Usman Yusuf, known for his outspoken advocacy for good governance, transparency, and accountability, and Sowore, a journalist and human rights activist, are part of a broader attempt by the government to suppress opposition and weaken democratic principles in the country.

Although Sowore was released on bail, the NCMN called for the immediate and unconditional release of Prof. Usman Yusuf, warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations. The group expressed concern that suppressing dissent could pave the way for an era of criminalising opposition voices.

The movement, led by Mal. Jabir Ibrahim Yaro emphasized the importance of protecting citizens’ rights to free speech and opposing any efforts to intimidate government critics. The NCMN further urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to take immediate action and ensure the protection of democratic rights.

Comrade Ahmad Ashir, the National Secretary, and Comrade Muhammad Ayuba, the NCMN spokesman, signed the press release.

The movement addressed key figures, including the President of Nigeria, the Senate President, the Attorney General, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a broader call for accountability.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, describing it as a political manoeuvre aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Professor Yusuf was apprehended by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his residence in Abuja on January 29, 2025. He was subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on January 30, 2025.

Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja refused to grant Yusuf’s bail, stating that the case should be adjourned to allow the EFCC time to amend the charges against him.

Reacting to the development, NEF’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, described the arrest as part of a broader political scheme to suppress opposition voices critical of certain government policies. The group has called for Yusuf’s immediate release, emphasising that silencing dissenting voices undermines democracy.