The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, over an alleged ₦4 billion fraud. Operatives stormed his Abuja residence on Wednesday afternoon and took him into custody following an extensive corruption probe.
Sources revealed that Yusuf, a professor of haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation, was apprehended around 4:30 p.m. The arrest is linked to allegations that he inflated the NHIS ICT budget from ₦4.975 billion to ₦8.7 billion and approved financial transactions beyond his authorization limit.
Investigators say Yusuf is also being probed for awarding lucrative contracts to family members. According to sources within the EFCC, he funneled contracts to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company where his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusufu, is listed as a director.
The anti-graft agency is further investigating him for alleged abuse of office, including bypassing due process to approve contracts and favoring unqualified companies for major NHIS deals.
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The probe into Yusuf’s activities dates back to a petition filed on October 31, 2018, by one Attahiru Ibrahim. The petition accused him of fraudulent practices, financial mismanagement, and using his position for personal enrichment during his tenure as NHIS boss.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest, stating that Yusuf remains in custody and will be arraigned in court on Thursday.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on the EFCC to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
