Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf, a figure who became the controversial face of counter-protests against Nigeria’s momentous #EndSARS movement in 2020, has died at 47 under mysterious circumstances. His demise marks the end of a career as a government-aligned political operator who, for many, symbolized the state’s efforts to quell popular dissent.
Yunusa, who was known as Buhun Barkonun (AMAC), died at a hotel in Abuja, the nation’s capital, where he reportedly collapsed after consuming an energy drink. His death has prompted speculation, but the circumstances surrounding it remain unclear.
During the nationwide #EndSARS protests against police brutality in October 2020, a movement that mobilized millions and drew global attention, Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf emerged as a prominent figure leading a group of counter-protesters. While young Nigerians took to the streets to demand the disbandment of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Yunusa and his followers held rallies in Abuja, insisting that the city belonged to his indigenous Gbagyi people and that the protests were disrupting life and commerce.
To many observers, his efforts seemed to be coordinated with the government. His group, which often appeared to be backed by law enforcement, was widely seen as an instrument to discredit the #EndSARS movement. Critics accused him of being a “money-induced youth” and an “opportunist” acting on behalf of political interests rather than genuinely representing the local community.
The Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja (OIDA), the umbrella body for the city’s indigenous population, publicly disavowed Yunusa’s actions at the time. The association’s president, Pastor Danladi Jeji, stated that Yunusa “had no mandate” to speak for Abuja’s natives and condemned his counter-protests as “mischievous.” OIDA affirmed its support for the goals of the #EndSARS movement while cautioning against violence.
A Career as a Government Ally
Yunusa’s role in the #EndSARS era was part of a long-standing pattern. He was known for his history of organizing pro-government rallies and challenging movements that criticized the authorities. He had reportedly been involved in similar efforts during a previous administration’s land policies, where he was accused of working against the interests of his own people.
His death brings an end to a life spent on the fringes of Nigerian politics, often in opposition to popular will. While the #EndSARS movement became a symbol of a new generation’s fight for justice and accountability, Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf will be remembered as a polarizing figure who represented the forces seeking to maintain the status quo. His sudden demise closes a chapter on one of the more controversial subplots of a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s recent history.
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