Aisha Yesufu, a prominent Nigerian activist and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, is under fire following allegations of receiving funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the guise of the BBOG campaign. The Forum for Peace and Tranquility in Nigeria (FPTN) has called on the federal government to investigate Yesufu, accusing her of using such funds to sponsor Boko Haram insurgents.
The allegations gained traction after reports emerged that USAID channels approximately $697 million annually to various organizations, including groups linked to terrorist activities such as Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS. The FPTN, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Mal Iliya Mohammed Suleiman, questioned Yesufu’s source of funding and demanded transparency, warning that failure to declare her revenue sources could lead to legal consequences.
The controversy deepened when investigative journalist David Hundeyin alleged that Yesufu and her associates in the BBOG campaign were part of a broader USAID-backed project designed to unseat former President Goodluck Jonathan. This claim has reignited debates about Yesufu’s role in the BBOG movement and her alleged political motivations.
Additionally, the FPTN referenced previous allegations of financial misconduct against Yesufu. The National Working Committee of the Labour Party, led by Julius Abure, had earlier called on the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Yesufu for allegedly misappropriating funds during the 2023 presidential campaign. The Labour Party accused Yesufu, along with Pastor Ighodalo and others, of mismanaging and diverting over N12 billion and $15 million in donations intended for the party’s campaign.
The FPTN emphasized that these allegations create an atmosphere of suspicion, warranting a thorough investigation into Yesufu’s past activities and sources of funding. The group urged authorities to act swiftly to address the concerns raised and ensure accountability.
Yesufu, however, has denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. She continues to defend her role in the BBOG campaign and her activism, maintaining that her efforts are aimed at promoting justice and accountability in Nigeria. As the controversy unfolds, calls for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations against her continue to grow.
Middle-Belt Times 