A Federal High Court in Kuje denied bail to Usman Yusuf, the former NHIS executive, who faces fraud charges. Accused of inflating vehicle purchase costs and awarding contracts to his foundation, Yusuf's arraignment is deferred until February 3, 2025. He remains in EFCC custody.
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Kuje has denied a bail application for Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Yusuf was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday and was charged with fraud. The EFCC alleges that Yusuf misused his position to approve the purchase of a vehicle for N49.2 million, far exceeding the approved budget of N30 million. Additionally, he is accused of improperly awarding a N10.1 million contract to a foundation he had ties with, despite the actual number of beneficiaries being half of what was claimed.
During the court proceedings, Yusuf's defense counsel requested bail, but the court deferred the arraignment to allow the EFCC to amend the charges. The judge, Chinyere Nwecheonwu, rejected the bail request due to the deferral and ordered Yusuf to be remanded in the custody of the EFCC. The court has adjourned the arraignment until February 3, 2025, when Yusuf will face the charges formally.
