The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arrested Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial mismanagement and fraud.
Yusuf, a professor of haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation, was apprehended at his Abuja residence around 4:30 p.m. The arrest stems from accusations that he inflated the NHIS’s ICT budget from N4.975 billion to N8.7 billion, as well as approved payments that exceeded his authorization limits.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that Yusuf is currently in EFCC custody, where he is being questioned by investigators. Among the other allegations against him is the award of government contracts to family members. Specifically, Yusuf is accused of awarding a contract to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company linked to his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusufu, who serves as a director.
Further accusations include abuse of office, with claims that Yusuf used his position for personal gain, bypassing due process and awarding contracts to unqualified firms. The EFCC is also probing him for financial mismanagement during his tenure at NHIS.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed Yusuf’s arrest, stating, “Yes, Mr. Yusuf is in our custody. He’ll be arraigned in court on Thursday.”
The investigation continues as the EFCC intensifies its efforts to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption within NHIS under Yusuf’s leadership.
