• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • ICPC Secures Conviction of Rector for Running Unaccredited Degree Programmes

      Engr Abba Babagana Dalori

      Engr Dalori Forfeits Galaxy Hospital, Petrol Station, Properties & Cash

      Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

      EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N8bn Fraud as Court Sentences…

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Africa’s Economic Ties Deepen as Nigeria, Benin Sign Joint Trade Plan

      Customs Partners US Mission to Prevent Expanded Visa Ban

      Nigeria Customs Partners China on Smarter Ports, Officer Training, Reforms

      Comptroller General Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale

      Customs Moves Against 223 Importers in N379bn Permit Breach

      Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Customs Boss

      How Customs is Tightening Borders to Stop Illicit Cash Flows –…

  • National
    • Nigerian Police Force

      PSC Denies Police Recruitment, Warns Against Fraudulent Online Claims

      Military Troops in Action

      Troops Raid Bandits Camps, Eliminate 1, Recover Motorcycles

      DSS, NNPCL and EFCC

      NNPCL Controversy: Arewa Economic Forum Raises Alarm as EFCC, DSS Refute…

      IPI Nigeria Demands Immediate Reopening of Badegi FM, Threatens to List…

      Tinubu’s Greek gift by Festus Adedayo

    • Government
      • DSS, NNPCL and EFCC

        NNPCL Controversy: Arewa Economic Forum Raises Alarm as EFCC, DSS Refute…

        IPI Nigeria Demands Immediate Reopening of Badegi FM, Threatens to List…

        Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari

        Purported Resignation: Who are after NNPC Boss Bashir Ojulari

        The Paramount Ruler of Oka-Akoko, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON, the Olubaka of Oka

        Olubaka of Oka Praises Foundation for “Best Oka Day” Festival

        Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu and representatives at NIPR FCT the meeting

        NIPR FCT Chapter Focuses on Crisis Communication and Professionalism

  • Security
    • Nigerian Police Force

      PSC Denies Police Recruitment, Warns Against Fraudulent Online Claims

      Military Troops in Action

      Troops Raid Bandits Camps, Eliminate 1, Recover Motorcycles

      Troops Kill 3 Terrorists in Borno, Recover Weapons, Motorcycles

      NDLEA Logo

      NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Tramadol Hidden in Vehicle Side Mirrors, Arrests Multiple…

      ICPC Boss, Musa Adamu and CG Customs, Bashir Adeniyi during his courtesy visit to ICPC office in Abuja

      Customs, ICPC Partner to Curb Smuggling, Boost Revenue Through Transparent Enforcement

  • Features
    • DSS, NNPCL and EFCC

      NNPCL Controversy: Arewa Economic Forum Raises Alarm as EFCC, DSS Refute…

      Tinubu’s Greek gift by Festus Adedayo

      CG Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

      Customs Just Wrote Nigeria’s Energy Rulebook

      Okello Oculi

      Okello Oculi: A Pan-Africanist Asteroid Burns out Forever By Is’haq Modibbo…

      Leon Usigbe

      Death, you can’t be Proud of this By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem 

  • State
    • Prof Pate donates laptops to UNIMAID

      Prof Pate donates 20 Laptop Computers to UNIMAID

      Troops Kill 3 Terrorists in Borno, Recover Weapons, Motorcycles

      After ₦250m Ransom Demand, Security Guard Arrested for Murder of Caregiver,…

      court Judiciary

      Lawyer Sues Housing Ministry, FHA Over Alleged Property Redesign

      Army Commander keeps 100 students in school

      Army Commander’s Compassion Keeps 100 Students in School in Zamfara

  • Event
    • Prof Pate donates laptops to UNIMAID

      Prof Pate donates 20 Laptop Computers to UNIMAID

      D'Tigress Basketball team

      Will Presidential Gifts Follow as Nigerian Female Basketballers D’Tigress Reach 5th…

      The Paramount Ruler of Oka-Akoko, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON, the Olubaka of Oka

      Olubaka of Oka Praises Foundation for “Best Oka Day” Festival

      court Judiciary

      Lawyer Sues Housing Ministry, FHA Over Alleged Property Redesign

      Sam Obi Sponsors 500 students

      Sam Obi Sponsors 500 Students in Evergreen, SimplifiedIQ’s Education Program

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home National Yusuf Bichi: Between the Spymaster and a Celebrity by YAShuaib
  • National
  • Security

Yusuf Bichi: Between the Spymaster and a Celebrity by YAShuaib

By
Yushau A. Shuaib
-
April 21, 2024
Yusuf Bichi Between Spymaster and Celebrity
Yusuf Bichi Between Spymaster and Celebrity

Yusuf Bichi: Between the Spymaster and a Celebrity
By Yushau A. Shuaib

I was disturbed watching videos of a young man dressed in designer outfits, adorned with expensive wristwatches, wearing exotic shoes, displaying bags of costly perfumes, and being chauffeured around in flashy vehicles. His entourage includes a motley crew of well-armed bodyguards with sophisticated weapons, attendants, allies, and hangers-on, whether striding with him in processions or moving in long convoys. To top it off, he even took to the skies in private jets.

What is evident is the young chap’s clear cultivation of celebrity culture, steeped in material flamboyance, whether in balling with music superstars like Davido, driving about in supercars and hosting associates to flamboyant gourmet dinners which are all deliberately videoed for showboating on his social media platforms, for maximum publicity.

What I found deeply disturbing was that this young man, who goes by the name Abba Yusuf Bichi, is a Nigerian. Yet, with his over two million followers on social media, he remains largely unknown among the hardworking Nigerian businessmen and multimillionaires who could afford such a life of extravagant opulence.

Surprisingly, he shares a name in a manner that appears too close for comfort with a humble, modest, and result-oriented spymaster — Yusuf Magaji Bichi, the Director General of the Department of State Security Service (DSS). Could they hail from the same fast-developing Bichi Emirate Council of Kano State? I haven’t bothered to verify, as it ordinarily would seem absurd to associate the pompous and flashy young man with the accomplished spymaster.

Spymasters play a pivotal role in intelligence and covert operations worldwide. They lead and manage sleuth networks while overseeing critical tasks related to national security, counterterrorism efforts, and other clandestine endeavours on behalf of the state.

Due to the delicate nature of their veiled assignments, spymasters function behind the scenes. They ensure that their family members, spouses, children, and even parents remain shielded from public scrutiny to avoid unnecessary exposure.

The spymaster we know well, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, boasts extensive intelligence work experience. He has performed in various operational roles before assuming leadership positions within the Department of State Services as its Director-General.

Many within the security and intelligence services can attest to Bichi’s professional integrity. For instance, Chief Peter C. Nwaoduah, one of the longest-serving directors-general of the DSS (1992-1999), vouched for his competence and dedication.

In a foreword to a book on the legacy of Yusuf Bichi, Nwaoduah wrote: “The personality in whose honour this collection was put together is not used to being celebrated. If anything, he would be embarrassed, if not blushing! Bichi is known to be taciturn, even indifferent and shy to take credit for the numerous services rendered to the Nation.

“Bichi is used to everyday life packed with action—fast-paced and non-stop—in the protection of his fatherland! He is addicted to his job. He always has been, and this explains why, from the beginning, he chose a life of being an operative of what Nigerians call ‘The Secret Service’ or ‘The Secret Police.’

“He had a successful first outing and, after that, retired! But again, service to the Fatherland came beckoning. It was not what he prepared himself to do again. He needed a quiet life after retirement. However, imbued with patriotism, he was back to work!”

Read Also:

  • PSC Denies Police Recruitment, Warns Against Fraudulent Online Claims
  • Prof Pate donates 20 Laptop Computers to UNIMAID
  • Africa’s Economic Ties Deepen as Nigeria, Benin Sign Joint Trade Plan

Similarly, the shortest-serving DG of the DSS (August to September 2018), Mathew B. Seyefa, narrated their relationship, which spanned some 40 years. As he recounted, they joined the service on the same day, and their first point of convergence was their mutual attraction for Mallam Aminu Kano’s enduring legacy—an epitome of modesty, populism, and aversion to primitive material acquisition.

Seyefa emphasised, “People change when power is entrusted to them, but Bichi, as DGSS, has remained his simple, unassuming, warm, and unflappable self.”

Therefore, it is not surprising that on several occasions, the DSS, under Bichi, has issued warnings to Nigerians regarding the dangers of flaunting wealth in public. In one such advisory, the service stated that ostentatious displays of affluence pose a significant security risk and attract the attention of criminal elements, including kidnappers and bandits.

Since flaunting wealth endangers not only the individual but also the family and the broader community, the Secret Service advises citizens to adopt moderate lifestyles and avoid unnecessary show-offs.

One may wonder about the real background of the young celebrity, Abba Yusuf Bichi. And while his means of livelihood remain shrouded in mystery, he maintains predictable routines. He boasts an ostentatious attitude akin to “Yahoo Yahoo” boys, who expose themselves easily to security scrutiny and public irritation, often leading them to hire legions of security agents for protection as they embark on their various acts of ridiculous and conspicuous material exhibitions and consumption.

While public officers and businesspeople are urged to lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income, ostentatious displays of questionable affluence should be discouraged due to their negative impacts on society. The seeming glitter of these highly impressionable displays can lure vulnerable youth down perilous paths, including the yield to fraudulent activities, prostitution, and even money rituals.

However, it is essential to differentiate between these so-called celebrities and genuinely accomplished and wealthy individuals. True wealth often resides in modesty and humble lifestyles, even amidst enormous financial success. The overnight flaunting of opulence by money-miss-road celebrities serves as a bad influence, inadvertently signalling to impressionable youth that material wealth is attainable through any means, including illicit ways. Moreover, such displays attract the attention of violent criminals—kidnappers, armed robbers, and bandits—worsening crime rates in society.

Nigerian youth must be encouraged to acquire digital literacy and financial education. Wise investments can secure their future without resorting to criminal activities. Additionally, safeguarding personal information in today’s digital age is crucial. Even cybercriminals exploit such data for extortion and attacks. Citizens should remain vigilant and take measures to protect themselves and society.

Meanwhile, to stem the tide of reckless wealth flaunting, responses like those recently taken against naira abusers should be activated. Relevant law enforcement bodies, including anti-corruption and revenue agencies, should scour social media accounts to find many who might be engaged in opulent displays, verify their sources of income and tax compliance, etc., and ascertain their social rectitude. Prosecution should follow where necessary.

It is fascinating how two individuals sharing the name Yusuf Bichi can lead vastly different lives — one in the spotlight of luxury and the other a conservative dwelling in the shadows of covert operations.

By the way, who is the young and over-protected celebrity?

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of “An Encounter with the Spymaster.” www.YAShuaib.com, [email protected]

 

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
Previous articlePresident Tinubu Opens African Counter-Terrorism Summit in Abuja
Next articleTrafficking: EU Launches ‘Gateway Project’ Across Nigeria, 9 African Countries
Yushau A. Shuaib
Yushau A. Shuaib
https://prnigeria.com/

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

Nigerian Police Force

PSC Denies Police Recruitment, Warns Against Fraudulent Online Claims

Military Troops in Action

Troops Raid Bandits Camps, Eliminate 1, Recover Motorcycles

DSS, NNPCL and EFCC

NNPCL Controversy: Arewa Economic Forum Raises Alarm as EFCC, DSS Refute Claims

IPI Nigeria Demands Immediate Reopening of Badegi FM, Threatens to List Governor Bago in Black Book

Tinubu’s Greek gift by Festus Adedayo

Troops Kill 3 Terrorists in Borno, Recover Weapons, Motorcycles

NDLEA Logo

NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Tramadol Hidden in Vehicle Side Mirrors, Arrests Multiple Suspects Nationwide

ICPC Boss, Musa Adamu and CG Customs, Bashir Adeniyi during his courtesy visit to ICPC office in Abuja

Customs, ICPC Partner to Curb Smuggling, Boost Revenue Through Transparent Enforcement

Police Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi Promoted to DCP

Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari

Purported Resignation: Who are after NNPC Boss Bashir Ojulari

D'Tigress Basketball team

Will Presidential Gifts Follow as Nigerian Female Basketballers D’Tigress Reach 5th Consecutive AfroBasket Final?

After ₦250m Ransom Demand, Security Guard Arrested for Murder of Caregiver, Toddler in Abuja School

Recent Posts

  • PSC Denies Police Recruitment, Warns Against Fraudulent Online Claims
  • Prof Pate donates 20 Laptop Computers to UNIMAID
  • Africa’s Economic Ties Deepen as Nigeria, Benin Sign Joint Trade Plan
  • Troops Raid Bandits Camps, Eliminate 1, Recover Motorcycles
  • NNPCL Controversy: Arewa Economic Forum Raises Alarm as EFCC, DSS Refute Claims
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
PSC Denies Police Recruitment, Warns Against Fraudulent Online ClaimsProf Pate donates 20 Laptop Computers to UNIMAIDAfrica’s Economic Ties Deepen as Nigeria, Benin Sign Joint Trade PlanTroops Raid Bandits Camps, Eliminate 1, Recover MotorcyclesNNPCL Controversy: Arewa Economic Forum Raises Alarm as EFCC, DSS Refute ClaimsIPI Nigeria Demands Immediate Reopening of Badegi FM, Threatens to List Governor Bago in Black BookTinubu’s Greek gift by Festus AdedayoTroops Kill 3 Terrorists in Borno, Recover Weapons, MotorcyclesNDLEA Intercepts Cocaine, Tramadol Hidden in Vehicle Side Mirrors, Arrests Multiple Suspects NationwideCustoms, ICPC Partner to Curb Smuggling, Boost Revenue Through Transparent EnforcementPolice Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi Promoted to DCPPurported Resignation: Who are after NNPC Boss Bashir OjulariWill Presidential Gifts Follow as Nigerian Female Basketballers D’Tigress Reach 5th Consecutive AfroBasket Final?After ₦250m Ransom Demand, Security Guard Arrested for Murder of Caregiver, Toddler in Abuja SchoolOlubaka of Oka Praises Foundation for "Best Oka Day" Festival
X whatsapp