Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje, Abuja, has granted bail to the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties.
In delivering the bail terms, Justice Nwecheonwu specified that the sureties must provide proof of means of livelihood, whether through business or civil service, and present valid identification. The sureties’ addresses must also be verified by the Prosecution or Court Staff.
The case, which was initially scheduled for April 3, 2025, was adjourned due to the Sallah break, with the new trial date set for May 15, 2025.
Yusuf is facing a five-count charge of alleged fraud totaling ₦90,439,178. The charges accuse him of abusing his office to gain undue advantages between 2016 and 2017, including awarding contracts without proper procurement procedures.
One of the charges involves Yusuf authorizing the purchase of a vehicle at an inflated price of ₦49,197,750, which exceeded the budgeted ₦30,000,000. He is also accused of awarding a ₦10.1 million training contract to a foundation linked to him, with only half of the intended beneficiaries receiving the training.
Additionally, Yusuf allegedly awarded a ₦17.5 million media consultancy contract to a company owned by his nephew, bypassing procurement guidelines.
Yusuf, who was arraigned by the EFCC on February 3, 2025, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
