Ex-NHIS Boss Usman Yusuf Remanded in Kuje Prison Over Fraud Allegations

Ex-NHIS Boss Usman Yusuf Remanded in Kuje Prison Over Fraud Allegations


ABUJA, NIGERIA - In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), at the Kuje Correctional Centre. Yusuf, who was arraigned on Monday, pleaded not guilty to five-count charges of fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).



Allegations of Fraud and Misconduct


The EFCC accused Yusuf of using his position to confer undue advantages upon himself, including approving the purchase of a vehicle at an inflated cost of N49,197,750, significantly above the budgeted sum of N30,000,000. Additionally, Yusuf was charged with retaining private interests in the GK Kanki Foundation and awarding a contract worth N10.1 million without due process.


Court Proceedings and Remand Order


During the court proceedings, Yusuf's counsel, O.I Habeeb, requested that his client be remanded in the custody of the EFCC pending the hearing of his bail application. However, Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu ruled that since Yusuf had already been arraigned, he could not be held in EFCC custody. Consequently, the judge ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail hearing scheduled for February 12, 2025.


Background and Career of Usman Yusuf

Yusuf was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the NHIS in 2016 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari. His tenure was marred by allegations of corruption and irregularities, leading to his suspension by the health minister in 2017 and subsequent removal from office in 2019. Yusuf was arrested by EFCC operatives at his residence on January 29, 2025, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.



The remand of Yusuf underscores the EFCC's commitment to tackling corruption within Nigeria's public institutions. The case has drawn attention to the need for stringent oversight and accountability mechanisms to restore public trust in the NHIS and other government agencies.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Nigerian public eagerly awaits the outcome of Yusuf's bail hearing and the broader implications for anti-corruption efforts in the country. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria's fight against corruption and the importance of upholding integrity in public office.

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