By Jesusemen Oratokhai
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje has postponed the arraignment of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, to Monday, February 3, 2025.
Yusuf, who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on January 29, 2025, appeared before Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu on Thursday.
However, the court adjourned the case to allow for an amendment of charges.
His defense counsel, Isah Dokto Haruna, requested bail, but the judge ruled it was premature without a formal arraignment.
Consequently, Yusuf will remain in EFCC custody until his next court appearance.
The former NHIS boss is facing fraud allegations, including awarding contracts to family members, inflating the scheme’s ICT budget from four point nine seven five billion naira to eight point seven billion naira, and approving unauthorized payments.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed Yusuf’s arrest but declined further comments. The case will resume on February 3, 2025.
