by Damilola Jagun

Erstwhile Inspector General of Police, MD Yusuf, has passed away from a brief illness at the age of 84.

During his lifetime, MD Yusuf was a Nigerian icon whose performance was stellar during his tenure as the head of the Police Force.

Here are 5 things you should know about him.

1. MD Yusuf joined the Nigeria Police Force in July 1962 around the time when the treason trial of late Yoruba leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo began.

2. Dikko Yusuf was chairman of Nigeria LNG in 1994 when a consortium led by Halliburton was bidding for a contract to construct a LNG export facility in competition with the US corporation Bechtel.

3. MD Yusuf headed the Grassroots Democratic Movement during the period of transition to democracy launched by General Sani Abacha in 1997–1998 to contest against the late Head of State. He risked his life by running anti-Abacha ads and squaring up against the military leader when everyone cowered in fear.

4. MD Yusuf was not allowed to resign as Inspector General of Police, in 1976 during the Buka Suka Dimka-led abortive military coup against the government of General Murtala Mohammed.

5. MD Yusuf had an issue with what he perceived as Olusegun Obasanjo’s interference with the administrations of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and President Goodluck Jonathan. According to him, Obasanjo doesn’t seem to be satisfied with being out of office. He once said og the former President: “He is not satisfied with anybody taking over the running of this country and that is dangerous. Nigerians should watch out.”