Nigeria Famous People

Politics

Muhammadu Dikko Yusufu


Muhamadu Dikko
Date of Birth:
1931-11-10
Place of Birth:
Katsina, Nigeria

Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko Yusufu GCON, widely known as MD Yusufu or MD Yusuf, left an indelible mark as a Nigerian law enforcement officer, Inspector General of the Nigerian Police Force, public servant, and politician.

Born on November 10, 1931, he hailed from a distinguished lineage, being the great-grandson of Sarkin Katsina Muhammadu Dikko. Yusufu pursued higher education at the Institute of Administration, Zaria, in 1954, and furthered his studies at the University of Oxford, where he was trained as an administrative officer, solidifying his foundations for a multifaceted career.

Yusufu's professional journey commenced with service at the Katsina Native Authority, where he rose to prominence as an Assistant District Officer in Ilorin Province from 1949 to 1954. His ascendancy within Nigeria's law enforcement echelons culminated in his appointment as Inspector General of the Nigerian Police, a position he held from 1975 to 1979, notably during the military administrations of Generals Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo. Subsequently, he ventured into politics, founding the Movement for Democracy and Justice political party, and contested the presidential elections in 1999 and 2003.

Amid his political engagements, Yusufu faced allegations of impropriety during his tenure as chairman of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) in 1994. These allegations surfaced regarding a bidding process involving Halliburton's KBR subsidiary and a subsequent probe into purported bribes. Despite these controversies, Yusufu's political activism persisted, as evidenced by his involvement with various political parties and associations, including the Arewa Consultative Forum.

His career spanned transitions across political landscapes, from challenging election results to critiquing governmental decisions. Muhammadu Dikko Yusufu passed away on April 1, 2015, in Abuja, leaving behind a legacy marked by his contributions to law enforcement, public service, and political discourse in Nigeria.

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