A 27-year-old businessman from Kano State, Yusuf Imam Yahaya, has broken his silence over a six-year struggle against alleged oppression, injustice, and attempts to crush his tea company, Y&Z, by influential individuals wielding money and power.
According to Yusuf, his company became embroiled in a trademark dispute with a major tea brand despite following all legal procedures. He stated that Y&Z Black Tea was legally established after registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), obtaining a trademark license, and securing approval from NAFDAC and SON.
“We followed every legal path,” Yusuf emphasized. “We did everything by the book, but we’re still facing pressure and harassment from powerful individuals who want to shut us down.”
The court ruled in Yusuf’s favor, confirming that those challenging his company had no legal rights over the disputed trademark. However, the Nigerian police have placed his name and photo on a list of wanted individuals, an action Yusuf insists is unjustified.
“This is purely a trademark dispute, not a criminal matter,” Yusuf argued. “I’m not a fugitive; I’m a young entrepreneur trying to contribute to Nigeria’s development.”
Yusuf warned that if such injustices continue, they could discourage young people from launching businesses, ultimately worsening poverty and unemployment in the region. He appealed to the Nigerian government, media outlets, community leaders, and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure justice prevails and protect talented young individuals.
The Nigerian police recently posted Yusuf’s photos on X (formerly Twitter), identifying him as a wanted individual in connection with an alleged forgery case. When contacted, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated that the command would be contacted for further information.
*Yusuf’s plight has raised questions about the challenges young entrepreneurs face in Nigeria and the role of powerful individuals in stifling innovation and progress.*