A controversial statement by Usman Yusuf — suggesting that he, Abubakar Malami, and Nasir El-Rufai (all Fulani) have faced arrest under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government while “Yorubas are saints” — has reignited a familiar national debate: Is Nigeria’s anti-corruption war selective, or simply political?
At face value, the perception is hard to ignore. Since 2023, several high-profile cases by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have prominently featured northern political figures.
The Evidence Behind the Perception
Recent EFCC actions provide clear context:
Yahaya Bello (North-Central) was arrested and detained over alleged ₦80 billion fraud, facing court proceedings shortly after leaving office in 2024.
Darius Ishaku (North-East) has also faced corruption allegations and investigation.
Abdulfatah Ahmed (North-Central) has been interrogated and prosecuted over financial misconduct claims.
Other notable northern figures such as Gabriel Suswam, Murtala Nyako, and Aliyu Wammako remain under investigation or in ongoing legal battles.
Across EFCC reports and court records between 2023 and 2025, multiple former governors and ministers have been arraigned — reinforcing the perception that the North is currently under heavier scrutiny.
⚖️ The Deeper Reality: More Than Ethnicity
While the pattern is real, interpreting it purely through an ethnic lens oversimplifies a more complex political dynamic.
✅ 1. The “Out-of-Power” Effect
A critical factor is timing. Many of the individuals currently facing EFCC action have just exited office or lost political protection.
For instance, Yahaya Bello’s legal troubles intensified almost immediately after his tenure ended in 2024 — a pattern consistent with Nigeria’s political cycle, where immunity shields sitting officials, but vulnerability begins once power is lost.
⚠️ 2. Political Alignment and Power Structure
Nigeria’s anti-corruption enforcement has historically been influenced by political alignment. The South-West bloc — widely regarded as the power base of President Tinubu — currently enjoys proximity to federal authority.
Historically, under administrations led by Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, EFCC actions often intensified against opposition figures or those outside the ruling circle.
This trend suggests that what appears to be ethnic imbalance may instead reflect shifting political advantage.
⚖️ 3. Existing Yoruba Cases Didn’t Start Today
It is also important to note that some Yoruba political figures are not exempt from EFCC scrutiny — but their cases are not “new.”
Ayo Fayose has long-standing EFCC charges dating back years.
Olu Agunloye is currently facing prosecution over the Mambilla power project controversy.
Because these cases predate the Tinubu administration, they do not fit into the narrative of “fresh arrests,” thereby creating the illusion of regional imbalance.
⚠️ 4. Different Enforcement Styles, Different Perceptions
Another key factor is how the EFCC handles suspects.
Some individuals face dramatic arrests and detention, while others are quietly invited for questioning, granted bail, and arraigned without public spectacle. This difference in approach significantly shapes public perception.
For example, the high-profile nature of Yahaya Bello’s arrest contrasts sharply with more subdued legal processes involving other figures — reinforcing claims of selective treatment.
The Honest Conclusion
The sentiment expressed by Usman Yusuf reflects a real and observable trend: more northern politicians are currently at the center of fresh EFCC actions.
However, the broader reality is more nuanced:
> EFCC enforcement in Nigeria tends to follow political power shifts rather than strictly ethnic lines.
At this moment, many northern politicians are politically exposed — having lost office or influence — while the South-West bloc remains closely aligned with the federal government.
A Look Back: History Repeating Itself?
Ironically, during the Obasanjo era, several Yoruba politicians were investigated, prosecuted, and even jailed under the same EFCC framework — despite Obasanjo himself being Yoruba.
This reinforces a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics: anti-corruption intensity often mirrors the balance of power, not necessarily ethnic favoritism.
Final Take
Yes, the optics are striking — and the concerns are understandable.
But the more accurate interpretation is this:
✔ There are indeed more recent EFCC cases involving northern political figures.
❗ However, this trend aligns more with political exposure and shifting alliances than with any confirmed policy of ethnic targeting.
In Nigeria’s ever-evolving political landscape, today’s “untouchables” can quickly become tomorrow’s defendants — and vice versa.
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