The family of Prof. Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), has formally sought diplomatic intervention from the United States government to facilitate his release from detention.
In a letter dated February 18, 2025, his wife, Iftikar Abdallah Yusuf, appealed to the U.S. Embassy, requesting consular support under the subject: “Re: Request For Consular Assistance For My Husband Professor Usman Yusuf.”
Similarly, their three sons—Abdullah, Adnan, and Luqman—sent a separate petition to U.S.
Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, urging immediate action with the title: “Re: Request for the Immediate Release of Our Father, Prof Usman Yusuf.”
Corruption allegations and court proceedings
Prof. Yusuf is currently facing a five-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing him of financial misconduct and abuse of office during his tenure at NHIA from 2016 to 2019.
The anti-graft agency claims he authorized the purchase of a vehicle for ₦49,197,750—well above the allocated ₦30 million.
The former NHIA chief has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On February 12, 2025, Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu deferred the ruling on his bail application until February 27, ordering his remand at Kuje Correctional Facility in Abuja pending the court’s decision.
Family cites political persecution
In her letter, Iftikar Abdallah Yusuf urged the U.S. Embassy to intervene, insisting her husband is being unlawfully detained and subjected to political harassment.
She highlighted that the family holds dual Nigerian-American citizenship and alleged that his fundamental rights have been repeatedly violated.
“My husband was forcibly taken from our home by heavily armed EFCC operatives without prior notice or an arrest warrant.
“He has been denied communication with his family and legal representatives, refused bail, and unjustly incarcerated at Kuje Prison,” she wrote.
She further expressed concern over his health, claiming he has been denied access to medical care and may not receive a fair trial.
Sons accuse the government of targeting their father
Echoing their mother’s sentiments, Prof. Yusuf’s sons, in their letter to Senator Durbin, argued that their father’s arrest was politically motivated due to his outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
“Our father’s arrest and continued detention are acts of political persecution.
“He has been an outspoken critic of President Tinubu’s economic policies, which have worsened hardships for Nigerians,” they stated.
The court is expected to decide on his bail application on February 27.
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