JUST IN: COURT ADJOURNS BAIL RULING OF EX-NHIS BOSS YUSUF TO FEBRUARY 27

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Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the FCT High Court, Kuje, has postponed the ruling on the bail application of former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Executive Secretary, Professor Usman Yusuf, to February 27.

The judge ordered that Yusuf be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Kuje until the bail ruling is delivered.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Yusuf with five counts of corruption, including alleged embezzlement and abuse of office.

According to the EFCC, Yusuf approved the purchase of a vehicle for N49,197,750—far exceeding the budgeted N30,000,000—while serving as NHIS boss in 2016.

Additionally, he is accused of unlawfully awarding a N10.1 million contract for the training of 90 persons when only 45 were actually trained.

The EFCC further alleges that Yusuf granted a N17.5 million contract to his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusuf, for media and public relations consultancy.

Yusuf pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During the bail hearing, EFCC counsel Francis Usani argued against granting bail, stating that Yusuf had previously violated the terms of his administrative bail by failing to report biweekly as required.

Usani also claimed that the defendant boasted of political connections and posed a flight risk.

“It took the respondent’s (EFCC) officers discreet surveillance and high-powered intelligence to apprehend the defendant to bring him to court,” he said.

The defence counsel, O.I. Habeeb (SAN), pleaded for the release of the defendant as the alleged offences brought against him are ordinarily bailable.