The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje has adjourned the arraignment of former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Executive Secretary, Professor Usman Yusuf, to February 3, 2025.
Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on Wednesday arrested Yusuf and brought him before the court on Thursday for arraignment on allegations of fraud.
A statement by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the arraignment was, however, moved to Monday to allow for amendment of the charges.
The defence counsel, Isah Dokto Haruna, who held brief for the lead defence counsel, O.I.Habeeb, SAN, made an application for bail.
The court turned down the application on account of the defendant’s deferred arraignment.
Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu adjourned the matter till February 3, 2025, for arraignment and ruled that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Commission.
Yusuf’s arrest and prosecution followed a petition submitted to the Federal Government during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, over alleged misconduct and fraudulent practices.
It was gathered that Yusuf was relieved of his appointment in 2019 by Buhari, seven months after he was recommended for dismissal by a fact-finding panel set up by the Federal Ministry of Health over alleged mismanagement of N919 million.
