Court Postpones Arraignment Of Ex-NHIS Boss Usman Yusuf To Feb 3

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Kuchiako, Kuje, has deferred the arraignment of the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, to February 3, 2025.

Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu rescheduled the hearing on Thursday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought time to amend the charges against the former NHIS boss.

Recall that the EFCC had arrested Yusuf on Wednesday and brought him before the court on Thursday for arraignment over alleged fraudulent activities.

However, in a statement by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the commission confirmed that the arraignment was moved to next week Monday to accommodate amendments to the charges.

Despite an application for bail by defence counsel, Isah Dokto Haruna, who held brief for lead defence counsel, O.I. Habeeb, SAN, the court declined the request, citing the deferred arraignment.

Justice Nwecheonwu subsequently adjourned the case and ordered that Yusuf remain in EFCC custody until his arraignment.

LEADERSHIP reports that Professor Usman Yusuf was arrested following a raid on his residence by EFCC operatives on Wednesday. His legal ordeals date back to 2019, when a petition was submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health and the presidency under former President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging misconduct and fraudulent practices in the defunct NHIS, which is now known as NHIA.

Yusuf was dismissed from office seven months after a fact-finding panel set up by the Federal Ministry of Health recommended his removal over the alleged mismanagement of N919 million.