A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), who is facing multiple corruption charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu issued the ruling on Thursday morning. However, details of the bail conditions were not immediately available.
Yusuf was arraigned on five counts of corruption, including allegations of embezzlement, abuse of office, and the improper awarding of contracts. The EFCC has accused him of inflating the cost of a vehicle purchase to N49.2 million—significantly higher than the budgeted N30 million. He is also alleged to have awarded a N10.1 million training contract to a foundation linked to him, despite only half of the intended participants attending. Additionally, the agency claims he directed a N17.5 million media consultancy contract to a company owned by his nephew without following due process.
Following his arraignment, Yusuf was remanded at Kuje Correctional Facility while awaiting the court’s decision on his bail application, which was initially adjourned to February 27.
In a statement from detention, Yusuf alleged that his arrest was politically motivated, describing it as an attempt to silence his criticism of the government. He referenced a recent speech at a youth summit in Bauchi, where he voiced concerns over economic policies and what he described as the marginalization of Northern Nigeria. He also claimed that EFCC operatives arrested him in a forceful manner, denying him access to legal representation and family members.
While in Kuje Prison, Yusuf said he was placed in the VIP section, where he interacted with various inmates, including those facing terrorism-related charges. He described overcrowding and prolonged detentions without trial as systemic issues within the justice system.
“The real criminals are in government, while our youth waste away in detention,” Yusuf remarked.
The EFCC has dismissed his claims as an attempt to distract from the case, maintaining that the charges against him are supported by strong evidence. The agency also noted that Yusuf had failed to comply with an earlier administrative bail condition, suggesting a lack of cooperation with investigators.