The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), for alleged fraud.
EFCC operatives raided his residence on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and took him into custody. Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, confirmed the arrest.
Allegations and Investigation
Prof Yusuf will be arraigned on Thursday, January 30.
The arrest follows a petition submitted to the immediate past presidency under former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Ministry of Health, alleging misconduct and fraudulent practices.
Yusuf was dismissed in 2019 by former President Buhari, seven months after a fact-finding panel recommended his removal over the alleged mismanagement of ₦919 million.
The former NIS boss is allegedly wanted for awarding contracts to family members while in office. “We have just arrested the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Usman Yusuf. From our investigations, we found out that he awarded contracts to family members, including Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company where his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusufu, is a director,” an online news media claimed a source informed it.
Yusuf is also accused of inflating the ICT budget from ₦4.975 billion to ₦8.7 billion and approving payments beyond his approval limit. “In summary, Yusuf used his position for personal gains, including approving contracts without due process and awarding contracts to companies without competence,” the source alleged.
The EFCC’s investigation into Yusuf’s tenure at NHIS continues, with further details expected to emerge during his arraignment.
Mr Yusuf has been a strong critical voice against the policies of the present government of President Bola Tinubu.
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