• Thursday, February 20, 2025
businessday logo

BusinessDay

Usman Yusuf, ex-NHIS boss to remains in EFCC custody as court adjourns case

Usman Yusuf, ex-NHIS boss to remains in EFCC custody as court adjourns case

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje has deferred the arraignment of Usman Yusuf, former executive secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), to Monday, February 3, 2025.

Yusuf, who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, appeared before Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu on Thursday for his scheduled arraignment on fraud-related charges.

However, the court adjourned the case to allow for an amendment of the charges.

Read also: EFCC vs Yahaya Bello: Court adjourns trial to April 3 as first witness testifies

During the brief court session, defense counsel Isah Dokto Haruna, who stood in for lead counsel O.I. Habeeb, sought bail for the former NHIS boss. However, Nwecheonwu declined the request, ruling that bail could not be granted before a formal arraignment.

“In the absence of a formal arraignment, bail at this stage is premature,” the judge ruled, ordering that Yusuf remain in EFCC custody until his next court appearance.

It was learnt that Yusuf was arrested for allegedly awarding contracts to family members while in office. He is also accused of inflating the scheme’s ICT budget from N4.975 billion to N8.7 billion and approving payments beyond his authorization limit.

The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest but declined to provide further details.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date

Open In Whatsapp