Why EFCC Arrested Former NHIS Boss, Usman Yusuf

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Prof. Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), over allegations of contract fraud and financial misconduct.

It was gathered that EFCC operatives arrested Usman Yusuf on Wednesday night, and he is expected to be arraigned in court on Thursday.

According to Punch, sources within the EFCC said Usman Yusuf was arrested for allegedly awarding contracts to his family members while in office.

One such contract reportedly went to Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company where his nephew, Khalifa Hassan Yusufu, serves as a director.

Investigations also revealed that he inflated the NHIS ICT budget from N4.975 billion to N8.7 billion and authorized payments beyond his approval limit.

EFCC Officials claim he bypassed due process in awarding contracts, including giving deals to companies lacking the required expertise.

When contacted, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale confirmed Yusuf’s arrest and declined to provide further details.

KanyiDailyalso reported that the EFCC filed a 13-count charge against Oba Otudeko, a former First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) chairman, along with three others, over allegations of fraud.