The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Usman Yusuf, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), over allegations of financial misconduct amounting to N4 billion.
Operatives of the anti-graft agency reportedly raided Yusuf’s residence in Abuja around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and took him into custody.
His arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into claims that he inflated the NHIS ICT budget from N4.975 billion to N8.7 billion and authorized payments beyond his approved limit.
Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that Yusuf is currently being interrogated at the EFCC’s office.
Documents obtained by Premium Times indicate that the probe also involves allegations that he awarded contracts to family members.
One of the contracts was reportedly given to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company where his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusufu, serves as a director.
Additionally, Yusuf is facing scrutiny for alleged abuse of office, including approving contracts without following due process and awarding projects to firms lacking the required expertise.
The EFCC’s investigation was triggered by a petition dated October 31, 2018, and signed by one Attahiru Ibrahim, accusing Yusuf of engaging in fraudulent practices and misconduct during his tenure at NHIS.
Confirming the arrest, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale told Premium Times that Yusuf remains in custody and is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Thursday.