ABUJA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned Professor Usman Yusuf, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), on charges of embezzlement, fraud, and abuse of office amounting to N90.4 million.
Yusuf appeared before Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje, where he faced a five-count charge related to misappropriation of public funds, awarding fraudulent contracts, and conferring undue advantages.
Prosecutors alleged that between 2016 and 2017, Yusuf approved the purchase of a personal vehicle for N49.1 million, exceeding the N30 million budgeted for it. He was also accused of awarding a contract worth N10.1 million to a foundation in which he had personal interests, allegedly for training 90 participants, though only 45 were trained.
Another charge stated that Yusuf awarded a N17.5 million media consultancy contract to a company owned by his nephew.
The former NHIS chief pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutor Francis Usani requested a trial date, while defense counsel O.I. Habeeb, SAN, asked that Yusuf be remanded in EFCC custody.
Justice Nwecheonwu adjourned the case to February 12, 2025, for a hearing on the bail application and ordered that Yusuf be remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility.
