Ex-NHIS Boss Usman Yusuf Remanded in Kuje Prison Over Alleged N90m Fraud

One of the charges alleges that Usman Yusuf awarded a N10,100,000 contract to GK Kanki Foundation—an entity in which he had a personal interest—for training 90 persons, while only 45 persons were actually trained.

Abuja, Nigeria – A former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, has been remanded at Kuje Correctional Facility following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of fraud amounting to N90,439,178.00.

Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court ordered his remand on Monday after Yusuf pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge bordering on embezzlement, abuse of office, and conferment of undue advantage. His bail application is set for a hearing on February 12, 2025.

EFCC Charges Against Yusuf

According to the EFCC, Yusuf allegedly committed the offences between 2016 and July 2017 while serving as NHIS Executive Secretary. He is accused of abusing his office by approving the purchase of a vehicle for himself at N49,197,750, exceeding the N30,000,000 budgeted for it. The EFCC argued that this violated Section 22 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

One of the charges alleges that Yusuf awarded a N10,100,000 contract to GK Kanki Foundation—an entity in which he had a personal interest—for training 90 persons, while only 45 persons were actually trained. Another charge claims that he awarded a N17,500,000 contract for media consultancy services to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusuf.

Court Proceedings

During Monday’s court session, Yusuf pleaded not guilty to all charges. The EFCC’s counsel, Francis Usani, requested an adjournment for the commencement of trial, while Yusuf’s defense counsel, O.I. Habeeb, SAN, urged the court to allow his client to remain in EFCC custody until his bail application is determined.

However, Justice Nwecheonwu ruled that Yusuf be remanded in Kuje Prison until his bail hearing on February 12, 2025.