Anti-EndSARS Critic Buhun Barkonun Dies in Abuja Hotel During Sex Marathon

In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's political and social media landscapes, Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf, popularly known as Buhun Barkonun, has died under mysterious circumstances in an Abuja hotel. The 47-year-old, a vocal critic of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, reportedly passed away during what sources describe as a "sex marathon" with a female companion. This incident not only highlights the fragility of life but also reignites debates about the legacies of those who opposed one of Nigeria's most significant youth-led movements.

The #EndSARS protests erupted in October 2020 as a nationwide outcry against police brutality, particularly by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit infamous for extortion, harassment, and extrajudicial killings. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into widespread unrest, with protesters blocking major roads and demanding systemic reforms.

The movement garnered international attention, drawing support from celebrities, activists, and global human rights organizations. However, it also faced fierce opposition from government supporters and pro-establishment figures who argued that the protests were disrupting daily life and had been "hijacked" by criminal elements.

Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf, aka Buhun Barkonun. As a Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Yusuf positioned himself as a key figure in the counter-narrative against #EndSARS. He was not just a bureaucrat; he was a vocal mobilizer for pro-government causes. In the heat of the protests, Yusuf penned a strongly worded letter to the then-Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, urging demonstrators to vacate major roads in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He claimed the blockades were crippling economic and social activities, affecting residents who had no stake in the chaos.

Yusuf's stance was unapologetic. He gave protesters a 48-hour ultimatum to clear the streets, warning that failure to comply could lead to escalated security tensions. In a Facebook post dated October 22, 2020, he declared, "#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." Accompanying videos showed him passionately defending his position, likening the protests to historical uprisings like Boko Haram that spiraled out of control. His actions made him a hero to some particularly indigenous FCT residents and APC supporters and a villain to others who saw him as a tool of oppression stifling legitimate grievances.

Buhun Barkonun's history extended beyond #EndSARS. He had a track record of organizing pro-government rallies, often aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His role in community development under AMAC involved bridging gaps between local authorities and residents, but his public persona was defined by his anti-protest rhetoric. Critics accused him of threatening an entire region against exercising their right to demonstrate, especially in Abuja, the nation's capital. This polarizing figure's death, therefore, comes laden with irony and mixed emotions.

Fast-forward to September 8, 2025. Yusuf checked into a hotel in the Karu-Jikwoyi area of Abuja, accompanied by a woman identified only as Ruth. According to reports, the pair engaged in an extended intimate session, dubbed a "sex marathon" by sensational headlines. During their stay, Yusuf reportedly declined hotel meals but consumed large quantities of alcohol. As the encounter progressed, Ruth noticed his condition deteriorating—perhaps from exhaustion, dehydration, or the effects of the alcohol.

In an attempt to revive him, Ruth purchased an energy drink, which Yusuf consumed shortly before collapsing into a coma. Panic ensued. Hotel staff and Ruth rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. The exact cause of death remains under investigation by the police, who have launched a probe into the circumstances. Speculation abounds: Was it a heart attack induced by overexertion? An adverse reaction to the energy drink mixed with alcohol? Or something more sinister? Autopsy results are awaited, but the narrative of a "sex romp" has already dominated media coverage, fueling tabloid frenzy.

Public reactions have been swift and divided. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), some users expressed condolences, acknowledging Yusuf's contributions to community development. AMAC Chairman Maikalangu mourned him as a "dedicated public servant and vital bridge builder," extending sympathies to his family and the FCT community. A wake was scheduled for September 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at ECWA Church in Kpaduma 1, with the funeral service following on September 16 at 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.

However, others have been less forgiving, dredging up his anti-EndSARS stance. One X user, Chibueze (@chibuking300), posted, "Is this the fct italics anti-endsars guy?" with a reply from RENTED Victor! (@Purevictor) stating, "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." These comments reflect the lingering bitterness from the #EndSARS era, where Yusuf's ultimatums were seen as attempts to suppress dissent. Parallel Facts, a media outlet, highlighted his APC affiliations, noting the irony of his demise amid his wealth and influence.

This incident isn't isolated in Nigeria's history of high-profile deaths under unusual circumstances. Similar cases, like the 2024 death of a businessman in a Lagos hotel or historical figures succumbing to heart failures during exertions, underscore health risks associated with lifestyle choices. Medical experts warn that combining alcohol, energy drinks, and physical strain can lead to cardiac arrest, especially in middle-aged men. Yusuf's case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excess, regardless of one's status.

Beyond the sensationalism, Buhun Barkonun's death prompts reflection on Nigeria's political divides. The #EndSARS movement, though quelled, left an indelible mark, inspiring ongoing calls for police reform. Yusuf's opposition symbolized the clash between state loyalty and citizen rights. His passing might close a chapter, but it opens discussions on accountability, health awareness, and the human cost of polarization.

In conclusion, Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf's life and death encapsulate the complexities of Nigerian public life. From a community leader to a controversial critic, his story ends tragically in an Abuja hotel room. As investigations continue, the nation watches, reminded that even the most vocal figures are mortal. Rest in peace, Buhun Barkonun—your legacy, contentious as it may be, will endure in the annals of Nigeria's struggle for justice.