End SARS Critic Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf Dies in Abuja Hotel at 47

Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf, popularly known as Buhun Barkonun and remembered as one of the strongest critics of the #EndSARS protests, has died in Abuja at the age of 47.

The late Yusuf, who served as Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, reportedly died days after checking into a hotel in the Karu-Jikwoyi area of the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday, September 8, 2025.

Witnesses said he lodged with a woman identified as Ruth, declined food during his stay but consumed large quantities of alcohol. On the morning of his death, Ruth allegedly bought him an energy drink after observing his worsening condition. Shortly after taking it, he collapsed into a coma. He was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival. Police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Yusuf came to national prominence during the #EndSARS movement in October 2020, when he openly opposed the protests and wrote to the then-Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, urging demonstrators to vacate major roads in Abuja. In his letter, he warned that the demonstrations were disrupting economic and social activities across the capital.

“We the members of the Indigenous People of the FCT wish to express our unreserved displeasure and anger at the blockade of our roads and the disruption of economic activity,” the letter read.

“We write to express our offense, our disgust and our anger at the activities of these so-called EndSARS protesters and their blockage of roads, tributaries that function for the economic activities of the FCT residents, not to mention the needless loss of lives.”

He argued that while the initial call to abolish SARS was justified, the continuation of road blockages was unfair to other citizens. “The freedom of assembly is not permitted to deny others their freedom of movement. That is an infringement and should not be tolerated or accepted by the government or its law enforcement institutions,” he said.

On October 22, 2020, Yusuf posted on Facebook that the protest had been hijacked. “#IStandWithMyOpinion the #EndSARS protest have been hijacked and it’s now invoking security situation and we cannot destroy the peace and unity in FCT because we don’t have anywhere else to go. If you want to invoke security tension we will not support,” he wrote.

He also gave protesters a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate roads. In a video, he reiterated his stance: “Let me also say the ultimatum that my group gave was 48 hours and the 48 hours just elapsed yesterday before the minister have bound all protests and all that. That is to say I have not sent anybody yet to do anything to anybody or to engage the people as I said. Now it’s very simple, I wish to engage the people positively or negatively based on my assessment and how much I love Nigeria.”

Yusuf frequently warned that demonstrations could spiral beyond control if not restrained. “Today you are blocking Apu, tomorrow you are blocking Beda and about tomorrow and you still say it is peaceful. You cannot hold Nigeria to ransom, you can’t hold Abuja to ransom. I insist, it’s not right,” he said.

His sudden death has sparked online reactions. Chibueze (@chibuking300) wrote on X: “Is this the fct italics anti-endsars guy?” RENTED Victor! (@Purevictor) added: “You sabi the imbecile wella.. The dustbin that threatened an entire region against protesting in Abuja. With all his APC money he cudnt afford himself a decent death.”

AMAC Chairman Christopher Zakka Maikalangu described his aide’s passing as a heavy blow. In a statement through his media aide, Kingsley Madaki, he said: “Yunusa was a dedicated public servant and a vital bridge builder whose contributions to community development were invaluable.”

He extended his condolences to the family, associates, and residents of the FCT, calling the loss immense. A wake is scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025, at ECWA Church, Kpaduma 1, with the funeral service to follow at the same venue the next day.