EFCC Charges Against Usman Yusuf

Professor Yusuf was arraigned on five counts of corruption, including:

• Inflated Procurement: Allegedly approved the purchase of a vehicle for ₦49.1 million, far exceeding the ₦30 million budgeted.
• Fraudulent Contract Awards: Allegedly awarded a ₦10.1 million training contract to a foundation linked to him, with only half of the intended beneficiaries participating.
• Nepotism in Contracting: Allegedly funneled a ₦17.5 million media consultancy contract to his nephew’s company without due process.

After his arraignment, he was remanded at Kuje Correctional Facility pending a ruling on his bail application, which had initially been adjourned to February 27.

Usman Yusuf Alleges Political Persecution

Despite the charges, Yusuf maintains his innocence, claiming his prosecution is a form of political persecution. He alleges that the government is using security agencies to silence him due to his outspoken criticism of national policies.

He specifically pointed to a speech he delivered at a youth summit in Bauchi, where he criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and decried the marginalization of Northern Nigeria. According to him, his arrest was conducted in a “Gestapo-style operation”, with security operatives trailing him after the summit and arresting him at home without prior notice.

During his time in EFCC custody, he claims:

• He was denied access to legal counsel and family.
• He was detained in Kuje Prison’s VIP section, where he interacted with inmates, including those facing terrorism-related charges.
• He witnessed severe overcrowding in Kuje Prison, highlighting flaws in Nigeria’s justice system.

Yusuf further argues that his detention is part of a larger crackdown on dissenters, accusing the EFCC of trying to dehumanize him and tarnish his reputation.

EFCC Denies Allegations, Vows to Prosecute Yusuf

The EFCC has dismissed Yusuf’s claims, stating that he is attempting to divert attention from the serious corruption allegations against him. The anti-graft agency maintains that:

• The evidence against him is solid.
• His failure to comply with an earlier administrative bail condition shows reluctance to cooperate with investigators.

Now that Yusuf has been granted bail, the legal battle is set to intensify as the case moves forward in court.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing case.