EFCC Arraigns Usman Yusuf, Ex-NHIS Boss For Fraud, Remanded In Kuje Prison
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), on fraud-related charges before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
Yusuf, who pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge, was arraigned before Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu on Monday. Following his plea, his lawyer, O.I Habeeb, requested that he be remanded in EFCC custody pending his bail hearing. However, the judge denied the request, ordering his remand at Kuje Correctional Centre instead.
The court has adjourned the case to February 12 for a hearing on his bail application.
Usman Yusuf was appointed NHIS executive secretary in 2016 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari but faced multiple suspensions in 2017 and 2018 over allegations of corruption and administrative irregularities. After being placed on administrative leave in 2019, he was officially removed from office.
EFCC operatives arrested Yusuf at his residence on January 29, leading to the current charges.
According to court documents, the EFCC alleges that Yusuf abused his position by:
- Approving the purchase of a vehicle for N49.2 million, despite an official budget of N30 million.
- Illegally awarding a contract worth N10.1 million to GK Kanki Foundation, where he allegedly had a private interest.
- Misrepresenting a training program, claiming 90 people were trained when only 45 participants were involved.
The case is part of the EFCC’s broader crackdown on corruption in public office, with prosecutors set to present further evidence in the upcoming proceedings.
