Alleged N90.4m Fraud: Former NHIS Boss Knows Fate on Bail on February 27
Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, adjourned on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, to rule on the bail application of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf. The ruling will take place on February 27, 2025.
Professor Yusuf faces five counts of embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud amounting to N90,439,178.00 (Ninety Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira).
During the hearing, prosecution counsel, Francis Usani, argued against the bail, highlighting the gravity of the charges. He stressed that the alleged crimes negatively impacted the well-being of ordinary Nigerians and tarnished the country’s image. Usani also pointed out that Yusuf had failed to comply with bail conditions in the past, citing his failure to report regularly during previous investigations.
Usani further expressed concerns that Yusuf might abscond if granted bail, citing the strength of the evidence against him. He also warned that Yusuf’s political connections could lead to interference with witnesses, given his continued influence at NHIS.
In response, Yusuf’s counsel, O. I. Habeeb, SAN, sought the court’s approval for bail, stressing that the charges were bailable and that his client had met the necessary conditions for release on liberal terms.
Justice Nwecheonwu subsequently adjourned the matter to February 27, 2025, for a ruling on the bail application. The judge ordered that Yusuf remain remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the ruling.
