The African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has expressed deep concern over the attempt by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, to abduct a whistleblower, Yisa Usman, from his residence on Wednesday, July 16 2025.
According to a press statement signed by Dr. Chido Onumah, Coordinator of AFRICMIL, “It’s shocking that the police exhibited this shameful behaviour despite several ongoing lawsuits related to the whistleblower’s dismissal and prosecution by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).”
The statement noted that Usman, who made disclosures concerning procurement and administrative irregularities within the government agency, has faced sustained persecution, including dismissal from service, criminal prosecution, and acts of intimidation for doing the right thing.
“Last week, a team of officers from the CID Zone 7 visited Usman’s house under the pretext of executing an invitation said to have been directed by the Inspector-General of Police. At the time of the visit, Usman was not in Abuja. He was never served with a warrant of arrest, nor was one shown to him. Attempts to obtain details of the issuing court were reportedly rebuffed by the officers involved.”
AFRICMIL said the “ugly development” occurred despite the pendency of several court cases relating to the whistleblowing by Usman. The suits, according to the statement, include a Fundamental Rights Enforcement Suit filed in 2024 against the Zone 7 Police Command, which remains before the Federal High Court, and a defamation charge filed by Zone 7 in 2024, in favour of a policewoman reportedly attached to JAMB.
And the whistleblower is also at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), where he is challenging his dismissal from JAMB as unlawful, retaliatory, and discriminatory.
AFRICMIL reiterates that it does not seek to prejudice the outcome of any of the pending legal matters. “However,” the statement noted, “it is deeply troubling that law enforcement officers would attempt to arrest a whistleblower without following due process. The refusal to disclose the origin of the purported arrest warrant or follow legally mandated procedures raises serious questions about the conduct of the officers involved.”
AFRICMIL noted that this development is emblematic of the challenges faced by whistleblowers in the country, who continue to be exposed to reprisals despite assurances of protection by state institutions.
AFRICMIL calls on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other relevant oversight agencies to investigate this incident thoroughly and ensure protection for Usman and other whistleblowers who face threats for acting in the public interest.
