Ex-NHIS Boss, Usman Yusuf, to Remain in EFCC Custody as Court Postpones Arraignment

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje has postponed the arraignment of Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), to Monday, February 3, 2025. This adjournment allows the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to amend the charges against him. citeturn0search0

Professor Yusuf was arrested by the EFCC on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, on allegations of fraud. During his initial court appearance on Thursday, January 30, 2025, his defense counsel, Isah Dokto Haruna, requested bail. However, Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu declined the request, stating that without a formal arraignment, granting bail at this stage would be premature. Consequently, Yusuf remains in EFCC custody until his next court appearance.

The EFCC’s investigation into Professor Yusuf includes allegations of awarding contracts to family members, inflating the NHIS ICT budget from N4.975 billion to N8.7 billion, and approving payments beyond his authorized limit. citeturn0search4

The case is scheduled to resume on February 3, 2025, when Professor Yusuf will face formal charges.