Olayiwola Matthew
Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuje, has rescheduled the arraignment of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, to February 3, 2025.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Yusuf on Wednesday and presented him before the court on Thursday on allegations of fraud. However, the arraignment was postponed to allow for amendments to the charges, according to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale.
Despite an application for bail by defence counsel, Isah Dokto Haruna, who stood in for lead counsel, O.I. Habeeb, SAN, the court declined the request due to the deferred arraignment, Justice Nwecheonwu ordered that Yusuf be remanded in EFCC custody until the new hearing date.
Yusuf’s arrest followed a raid on his residence by EFCC operatives, triggered by a petition submitted during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which accused him of misconduct and fraudulent practices.
In 2019, President Buhari relieved Yusuf of his duties following the recommendation of a fact-finding panel that uncovered alleged mismanagement of N919 million during his tenure.