The arraignment of Prof. Usman Yusuf, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuje, on Thursday, was stalled as the court adjourned the case till Monday, February 3, 2025.
Yusuf was arrested and arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, before Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu on Wednesday. The former NHIS boss is facing allegations of contract fraud and money laundering. However, the court adjourned the case to allow for amendment of charges.
During the brief session, defense counsel, Isah Dokto Haruna, who held brief for lead counsel O.I. Habeeb, SAN, sought bail for the defendant, but the judge declined the request due to the postponed arraignment.
“In the absence of a formal arraignment, bail at this stage is premature,” Justice Nwecheonwu ruled, ordering that Yusuf remain in EFCC custody until his next court appearance.
The case is set to resume on February 3, 2025, when the former NHIS boss will be formally arraigned.
More to come.