A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has granted bail to Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), who is facing corruption charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu issued the ruling on Thursday, though the specific bail conditions were not immediately disclosed.
Yusuf was arraigned on five counts, including allegations of embezzlement, abuse of office, and irregular contract awards.
According to the EFCC, Yusuf approved the purchase of a vehicle for N49,197,750 — significantly higher than the N30,000,000 budgeted. He is also accused of awarding a N10.1 million training contract to a foundation linked to him, despite only half the intended participants attending. Additionally, he allegedly awarded a N17.5 million media consultancy contract to a relative’s company without proper procedures.
Following his arraignment, the former NHIS boss was remanded at Kuje correctional facility while awaiting the court’s decision on his bail request, which was postponed to February 27.
Despite the serious allegations, Yusuf maintains that his arrest is politically motivated.
In a statement from detention, he accused the government of using security forces to silence him for speaking out on national issues. He referenced a speech he gave at a youth summit in Bauchi, where he criticized President Tinubu’s economic policies and what he described as the marginalization of Northern Nigeria.
Yusuf claimed he was arrested in a “Gestapo-style operation” after being monitored by security agents. He said he was taken from his home without prior notice, denied access to legal representation and family while in EFCC custody, and later transferred to the VIP section of Kuje Prison.
“The conditions of Kuje Prison reminded me of my boarding school days,” Yusuf stated. “The real criminals are in government, while our youth waste away in detention.”
He also alleged that the EFCC intended to humiliate him and damage his public image as part of a wider crackdown on government critics.
The EFCC, however, dismissed Yusuf’s assertions, stating that the charges are backed by credible evidence and that his failure to comply with earlier administrative bail terms demonstrated a lack of cooperation with investigators.
