Former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) boss, Professor Usman Yusuf, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to punish him for speaking out.
In an emotional interview with Arise Television on Sunday, Yusuf claimed he was treated like a criminal after criticising the government. He said his arrest and detention were meant to frighten him into silence—but he refused to be cowed.
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Arrest Without Warrant
Yusuf said EFCC officers stormed his home on January 29 without showing an arrest warrant. “They walked into my house, claiming I was expecting them. Only later did they show their badges,” he said.
He described how officers refused to let him change his clothes and blocked his wife from helping him. During the drive to custody, he said they treated him “like a captured bandit,” comparing himself to a notorious criminal.
Denied Bail, Sent to Prison
The ex-NHIS chief was arraigned in February on fraud charges, which he denied. Despite bail being a constitutional right for non-capital offences, he said the EFCC kept him in detention for six days and later sent him to Kuje Prison for 24 days.
“The government deliberately denied me bail to shake me up,” Yusuf said. “But I used my time in prison for prayers and reflection. It only made me stronger.”
“Tinubu Was Once a Fighter for Democracy”
Yusuf expressed disappointment that Tinubu, who once fought military rule as an activist, is now allegedly suppressing dissent.
“This government wants to silence opposition and create a one-party dictatorship,” he warned.
Yusuf was first appointed NHIS boss in 2016 by ex-President Buhari but was suspended twice over corruption allegations before his removal in 2019.
His case has raised fresh concerns about freedom of speech and the use of anti-graft agencies to target critics.
