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Court grants bail to former NHIS Boss, Yusuf amid corruption trial
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health
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A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), who is facing multiple corruption charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu ruled on Yusufâs bail application on Thursday morning, following his arraignment on five counts of corruption, including embezzlement, abuse of office, and the unlawful award of contracts.
The EFCC had alleged that Yusuf authorized the purchase of a vehicle at an inflated cost of âŚ49.1 million, significantly exceeding the budgeted âŚ30 million. He is also accused of awarding a âŚ10.1 million training contract to a foundation linked to him, despite only half of the intended beneficiaries participating. Furthermore, the anti-graft agency claims he funneled a âŚ17.5 million contract to his nephewâs company for media consultancy services without due process.
Following his arraignment, Yusuf was remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility while awaiting the courtâs decision on his bail application, which had been adjourned to February 27.
Despite the charges, Yusuf has maintained that his prosecution is politically motivated. In a statement from detention, he accused the government of using security agencies to silence him due to his outspoken criticism of national issues.
He specifically pointed to a speech he delivered at a youth summit in Bauchi, where he criticized President Bola Tinubuâs economic policies and alleged the marginalization of Northern Nigeria. According to Yusuf, his arrest was carried out in a âGestapo-style operation,â with security operatives trailing him after the summit before whisking him away from his residence without prior notice.
During his time in EFCC custody, he claims he was denied access to legal counsel and his family. He also detailed his experiences in Kuje Prison, where he was placed in the VIP section and interacted with inmates, including those facing terrorism-related charges. He described the prison as overcrowded, highlighting systemic failures in Nigeriaâs justice system.
Yusuf further alleged that his detention was part of a broader crackdown on dissenters, accusing the EFCC of trying to dehumanize him and tarnish his reputation.
The EFCC, however, has dismissed Yusufâs allegations as an attempt to divert attention from the charges against him. The agency insists that the evidence against him is solid, emphasizing that his failure to comply with an earlier administrative bail condition demonstrated his reluctance to cooperate with investigators.
With his bail now granted, the legal battle between Yusuf and the anti-graft agency is set to continue as the case progresses in court.
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