EFCC Arraigns Ex-NHIS Boss, Usman Yusuf, Over Alleged ₦90 Million Fraud
By Faisal A Harande
Court Remands Former NHIS Secretary in Kuje Prison as Trial Begins
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Professor Usman Yusuf, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), over allegations of embezzlement, fraud, and abuse of office amounting to ₦90.4 million.
Yusuf appeared before Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Kuje, on Monday, February 3, 2025, where he faced a five-count charge related to financial misappropriation during his tenure from 2016 to 2017.
According to the EFCC, Professor Yusuf is accused of: 🔹 Approving the purchase of an official vehicle worth ₦49.1 million, exceeding the approved budget of ₦30 million. 🔹 Awarding a fraudulent contract worth ₦10.1 million to his GK Kanki Foundation for training 90 individuals, when only 45 were trained. 🔹 Illegally awarding a media and public relations contract worth ₦17.5 million to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusuf.
These charges, according to the EFCC, violate Section 22 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, which prohibits public officers from using their position for personal gain.
Court Proceedings and Bail Hearing Set for February 12 Professor Yusuf pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court. The prosecution counsel, Francis Usani, requested a trial date, while the defense counsel, O.I. Habeeb (SAN), requested that his client be remanded in EFCC custody.
However, Justice Nwecheonwu ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility until the next hearing on February 12, 2025, when the court will decide on his bail application.
This is not the first time Professor Usman Yusuf has been entangled in controversies. In 2018, he was suspended by the Nigerian government over allegations of financial mismanagement at the NHIS. His tenure was marred by multiple allegations of corruption and administrative irregularities.
The case is another major test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, as high-profile corruption cases often stall in court for years. Many Nigerians will be watching closely to see if the judiciary delivers swift justice or if this case follows the pattern of delayed or abandoned corruption trials.
This trial comes at a time when the government is under pressure to strengthen transparency and accountability in public offices, particularly in the health sector, where funds meant for public welfare are frequently mismanaged.
Will this trial set a precedent for accountability, or will it fade into history like many other high-profile corruption cases?
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