- Prof. Usman Yusuf, former NHIA boss, has his bail ruling adjourned to February 27 and will remain in Kuje Correctional Facility
- Yusuf is charged with embezzlement and abuse of office, including a N49.1 million vehicle purchase and awarding contracts without due process
An FCT High Court has postponed the ruling on the bail application of Prof. Usman Yusuf, former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), who faces corruption charges.
Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu, on Wednesday, ordered that Yusuf be held at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Kuje, FCT, until the bail ruling on February 27.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Yusuf with five counts, accusing him of embezzlement and abusing his office. As NHIA head in 2016, he allegedly approved a vehicle purchase for N49,197,750, exceeding the N30,000,000 budget.
The EFCC also claims that Yusuf awarded a N10.1 million training contract to GK Kanki Foundation without due process, despite only 45 trainees instead of the 90 reported.
Additionally, he allegedly had a private interest in Lubekh Nigeria Limited, owned by his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusuf, awarding him a N17,500,000 contract for media and PR consultancy.
Yusuf pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During Wednesday’s hearing, EFCC’s counsel, Francis Usani, argued against bail, stating that Yusuf failed to comply with EFCC’s administrative bail conditions, including bi-weekly reporting.
Usani also claimed that Yusuf boasted about his political connections and could flee if granted bail.
“It took discreet surveillance and intelligence efforts for EFCC officers to apprehend the defendant,” Usani said.
However, Yusuf’s lawyer, O.I. Habeeb (SAN), urged the court to grant bail, emphasizing that the charges are bailable offenses.
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