The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Kuje has adjourned the arraignment of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, to February 3, 2025.
Yusuf, who was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, was brought before the court on Thursday for arraignment over alleged fraud.
However, the EFCC sought to amend the charges, prompting Justice Chinyere E. Nwechqeonwu to move the arraignment to Monday.
During the hearing, Isah Dokto Haruna, representing lead defence counsel O.I. Habeeb (SAN), applied for bail on Yusuf’s behalf.
The court declined the request due to the deferred arraignment and ordered that Yusuf remain in EFCC custody until the next hearing.
Yusuf’s arrest and prosecution stem from a petition filed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging misconduct and fraudulent practices.
In 2019, Buhari dismissed him from his position, following a Federal Ministry of Health fact-finding panel’s recommendation for his removal over the alleged mismanagement of N919 million.
