Aisha Yesufu, a well-known Nigerian activist and co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, is facing intense scrutiny over allegations of receiving funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the pretext of the BBOG campaign. The Forum for Peace and Tranquility in Nigeria (FPTN) has urged the federal government to launch an investigation into Yesufu, claiming that the funds may have been used to support Boko Haram insurgents.
The allegations gained momentum following reports that USAID allocates around $697 million annually to various organizations, some of which have been linked to terrorist groups like Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Mal Iliya Mohammed Suleiman, the FPTN demanded that Yesufu disclose her sources of funding, warning that failure to do so could result in legal action.
The controversy took a new turn when investigative journalist David Hundeyin alleged that Yesufu and her BBOG associates were involved in a USAID-supported initiative aimed at ousting former President Goodluck Jonathan. This revelation has sparked renewed debate about Yesufu’s involvement in the BBOG movement and her alleged political agenda.
The FPTN also highlighted previous accusations of financial impropriety against Yesufu. The Labour Party’s National Working Committee, led by Julius Abure, had previously called for an investigation into Yesufu’s handling of funds during the 2023 presidential campaign. The party accused her, along with Pastor Ighodalo and others, of misappropriating and diverting over N12 billion and $15 million in campaign donations.
The FPTN stressed that these allegations have created a cloud of suspicion, necessitating a thorough investigation into Yesufu’s financial activities and funding sources. The group called on authorities to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure transparency.
Yesufu has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as unfounded and politically driven. She remains steadfast in her commitment to the BBOG movement and her broader activism, asserting that her work is focused on advocating for justice and accountability in Nigeria. As the debate continues, pressure mounts for a detailed investigation into the claims against her.
Dan Zaki Media 