, Abuja, has approved bail for Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary){kind=link}
A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has approved bail for Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), who is facing multiple corruption charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu granted the bail on Thursday following Yusuf’s arraignment on five counts, including embezzlement, abuse of office, and awarding contracts without due process.
According to the EFCC, Yusuf authorized the procurement of a vehicle at ₦49.1 million—far above the approved ₦30 million budget. He is also accused of awarding a ₦10.1 million training contract to an organization linked to him, despite only half of the intended participants benefiting.
Additionally, the commission alleges that he funnelled a ₦17.5 million media consultancy contract to his nephew’s company without following proper procedures.
Following his arraignment, Yusuf was initially remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility pending the court’s decision on his bail request, which had been scheduled for February 27.
Despite the allegations, the former NHIS chief insists that his prosecution is politically driven.
He claims he was arrested in a covert operation following a speech he delivered at a youth summit in Bauchi, where he criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and accused the government of marginalizing Northern Nigeria.
Yusuf alleges that security operatives trailed him after the summit before taking him from his residence without prior notice.
He further claims he was denied access to legal counsel and family while in EFCC custody.
Describing his time in Kuje Prison, he highlighted overcrowding and poor conditions, noting that he was held in the VIP section alongside individuals facing terrorism charges.
He believes his detention is part of a broader crackdown on dissenting voices, accusing the EFCC of attempting to tarnish his reputation.
The anti-graft agency, however, has dismissed his claims, insisting that the charges are backed by solid evidence.
The EFCC argues that Yusuf’s failure to meet earlier administrative bail conditions shows his unwillingness to cooperate with investigators.