By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Kuje, has adjourned the arraignment of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Usman Yusuf, to Monday, February 3, 2025.
According to a statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, Yusuf, was arrested on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and brought before Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu on Thursday for his scheduled arraignment on allegations of fraud. 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 was adjourned to February 3, 2025, when the former NHIS boss will be formally arraigned.
Details later….