Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Usman Yusuf, former executive secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) before a High Court of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over fraud allegations.
Gatekeepers News reports that Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu ordered his remand in Kuje prison after he pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge bordering on fraud levied against him by EFCC.
O.I Habeeb, counsel to the defendant prayed the court that his client be remanded in custody of EFCC pending a hearing of the bail application.
Justice Nwecheonwu however said he cannot be in the custody of the EFCC after arraignment and ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
She then adjourned the case to February 12 for the defendant’s bail hearing.
The former NHIS boss was arrested by EFCC operatives at his residence on January 29.
EFCC charged Yusuf with allegedly using his position at the time to confer an undue advantage to himself by approving the purchase of a vehicle at the cost of N49,197,750, against the budgeted sum of N30,000,000.
The EFCC also accused him of retaining private interest in GK Kanki Foundation, and without due process, awarding a contract in the sum of N10.1 million in favour of the foundation, for the purported training of 90 persons – when the actual number of trainees was 45.
