The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Professor Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), over allegations of financial misconduct.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest during a phone interview with Channels Television. According to him, operatives raided Yusuf’s residence on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and took him into custody. He is scheduled for arraignment on Thursday, January 30.
Investigations revealed that Yusuf allegedly inflated the NHIS ICT budget from N4.975 billion to N8.7 billion and awarded contracts to family members, including Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company linked to his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusufu.
A petition against Yusuf had previously been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health and the presidency under former President Muhammadu Buhari, citing fraudulent practices. In 2019, Buhari dismissed him following a fact-finding panel’s recommendation, which accused him of mismanaging N919 million.
An EFCC insider disclosed to Punch that Yusuf not only approved payments beyond his authority but also bypassed due process in contract awards.
“In summary, he exploited his position for personal enrichment, awarding contracts to unqualified companies and violating procurement procedures,” the source stated.
Yusuf now faces prosecution as the EFCC intensifies its crackdown on corruption in public office.