Family of Prof Usman Yusuf Seeks US Diplomatic Intervention for His Release

• The family of Prof Usman Yusuf has requested U.S. diplomatic intervention for his release from detention amid corruption charges

• Yusuf faces five charges of embezzlement and fraud, with his family alleging political motivations behind his arrest and detention

The family of former National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Executive Secretary, Prof Usman Yusuf, has sought diplomatic intervention from the United States government to secure his release from detention.

In a letter dated February 18, 2025, Prof Yusuf’s wife, Iftikar Abdallah Yusuf, formally requested the American Embassy to provide consular assistance. The letter, titled “Re: Request for Consular Assistance for My Husband, Professor Usman Yusuf,” urges the embassy to ensure his immediate release and fair treatment.

Additionally, Prof Yusuf’s sons—Abdullah, Adnan, and Luqman—sent a separate letter to U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin (Chicago, Illinois), titled “Re: Request for the Immediate Release of Our Father, Prof Usman Yusuf.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Prof Usman Yusuf with five offences. The allegations include embezzlement and unlawful approval of funds during his tenure as NHIA chief between 2016 and 2019.

One of the charges accuses him of approving a vehicle purchase for ₦49.2 million, exceeding the budgeted ₦30 million.

Prof Yusuf has pleaded not guilty, and his bail ruling is scheduled for February 27, 2025, as ruled by Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu. He is currently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility in Abuja.

In her letter, Iftikar Abdallah Yusuf emphasized that her family holds dual U.S. and Nigerian citizenship and urged the embassy to intervene. She alleged that her husband’s rights have been repeatedly violated, describing his arrest and detention as politically motivated.

According to her, Prof Yusuf was:

• He was forcibly abducted from his home by heavily armed EFCC operatives without prior summons.
• Denied access to phone calls, family, and legal representation.
• Refused bail and medical attention while in custody.

She further claimed that her husband’s legal rights were disregarded because of his outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, which she believes led to his persecution.

In their letter to Senator Richard J. Durbin, Prof Yusuf’s sons echoed concerns over their father’s health condition and alleged that he has been denied medical access.

They insisted that his detention is an attempt to silence opposition voices, emphasizing his vocal stance against economic hardships in Nigeria.