Alleged Fraud: Ex-NHIS Boss Prof Yusuf Arraigned, Remanded In Kuje Prison

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Kuje, Abuja, on a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged fraud.

Yusuf, who served as NHIS Executive Secretary between 2016 and 2017, was accused of using his office to confer undue advantages upon himself and awarding contracts without adhering to the due procurement process.

During the court proceedings, Yusuf pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him. His counsel, O.I. Habeeb, requested that he be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing of his bail application.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu, ruled that “once the defendant has been arraigned, he ceases to be in the custody of the EFCC.” She subsequently ordered that Yusuf be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja until the hearing of his bail application.

The court adjourned the case to February 12, 2025, for further proceedings.