An Abuja High Court has directed that the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, be held in Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on charges of alleged fraud.
Yusuf was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a five-count amended charge related to accusations of financial misconduct.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to him.
Following his plea, Yusuf’s legal counsel, O.I. Habeeb, requested that his client remain in EFCC custody until the court hears the bail application.
However, presiding judge Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu ruled that once an arraignment is completed, the defendant can no longer be kept in the custody of the prosecuting agency.
Consequently, the judge ordered Yusuf’s remand in Kuje Prison and adjourned the case to February 12, 2025, for the bail hearing.
Yusuf faces allegations of abusing his position between 2016 and 2017 to gain undue benefits and for awarding contracts without adhering to the proper procurement procedures.
