Former NHIS Boss Usman Yusuf Arrested by EFCC Over Alleged Multi-Million Naira Fraud
In a dramatic turn of events, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Usman Yusuf, a former executive secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement.
Confirming the arrest, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale told TheCable that Yusuf was taken into custody at his residence on Wednesday. The former NHIS boss is set to be arraigned today at Court 44 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Kuje.
According to court documents obtained by TheCable, the EFCC has levelled multiple charges against Yusuf, accusing him of abusing his position for personal gain. The anti-graft agency alleges that Yusuf approved the purchase of a vehicle for N49,197,750—far exceeding the budgeted amount of N30,000,000.
Further, Yusuf is accused of maintaining a private interest in the corporate entity GK Kanki Foundation. The EFCC claims that without following due process, he awarded a contract worth N10.1 million to the foundation for training 90 individuals. However, investigations revealed that only 45 people participated in the training program.
The allegations extend beyond the misappropriation of funds. The EFCC claims that between 2016 and 2017, while serving as NHIS executive secretary, Yusuf knowingly awarded a contract worth N771,428.58 to Zaramat Global Services Limited, a company in which he had a private interest. The contract, purportedly for a risk management training program, was allegedly awarded without adhering to required procurement procedures.
Additionally, Yusuf is accused of using his position to award a N17.5 million contract for media and special public relations consultancy to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company owned by his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusuf. The EFCC says this action violated Section 2 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Act, 2000.
With these serious allegations against him, Yusuf’s arraignment at the FCT High Court in Kuje marks the beginning of what could be a lengthy legal battle. The EFCC maintains that the charges reflect its ongoing commitment to tackling corruption within public institutions.
