A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje has adjourned the ruling on the bail application of Professor Usman Yusuf, the former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), to February 27.
Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu ordered that Yusuf remain in the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Kuje pending the decision on his bail.
Yusuf is facing a five-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including allegations of embezzlement and abuse of office.
The EFCC claims that while heading the NHIS in 2016, Yusuf approved the purchase of a vehicle for N49.2 million—far exceeding the budgeted N30 million.
He is also accused of illegally awarding a N10.1 million training contract for 90 individuals, when only 45 were trained, and securing a N17.5 million media consultancy contract for his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusuf.
During the bail hearing, the prosecution argued against granting Yusuf bail, citing his alleged failure to comply with previous EFCC bail conditions and concerns that he might evade trial.
EFCC lawyer Francis Usani stated that Yusuf had boasted of his political connections and required “discreet surveillance and high-powered intelligence” to be brought before the court.
However, the defense, led by O.I. Habeeb (SAN), maintained that the charges were bailable and urged the court to grant his release.
Justice Nwecheonwu will rule on the bail application on February 27.
