EFCC arrests former NHIS boss, Prof. Usman Yusuf, in Abuja raid

DDM News

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Prof. Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), after raiding his residence in Abuja.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) learnt that the arrest took place on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 4:46 pm, with Yusuf being detained in the presence of his wife and children.

The specific charges against him remain unclear, and he was swiftly taken to an undisclosed location by the EFCC officers.

Sources familiar with the situation confirmed the arrest late Wednesday night but indicated that the reasons behind Yusuf’s detention could be related to his actions during his tenure as NHIS Executive Secretary.

The EFCC has yet to release an official statement on the matter.

However, a high-ranking official within the commission hinted that the arrest could be linked to investigations into Yusuf’s conduct during his time at the NHIS.

Prof. Usman Yusuf, a renowned professor of haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation, served as the Executive Secretary of NHIS from 2016 until his dismissal in 2019.

His time in office was marked by significant controversy, including allegations of financial misconduct.

Notably, a fact-finding panel set up by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2019 had recommended Yusuf’s removal after he was accused of mismanaging ₦919 million intended for NHIS operations.

Yusuf’s dismissal from NHIS was a direct result of the findings of this panel.

Despite his removal, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the charges against him were politically motivated.

However, the allegations remained a major point of contention during his tenure, and his arrest by the EFCC may signal a renewed focus on his past actions while heading the NHIS.

The EFCC’s investigation into Yusuf is believed to be centered on these allegations, though sources within the agency have declined to provide any specific details.

It is widely speculated that the former NHIS boss could be questioned over the mismanagement of public funds during his administration.

The EFCC’s refusal to disclose the nature of their inquiry reflects ongoing efforts to gather more information before making further public statements.

The arrest of Yusuf comes at a time when the EFCC is intensifying its efforts to tackle corruption within public institutions.

While the full extent of the investigation into his activities remains unknown, the EFCC’s involvement suggests that the commission is taking a serious interest in his time at NHIS and the financial irregularities reported during his leadership.

Given the scale of the allegations and the significant public funds involved, Yusuf’s case is likely to attract significant attention as the investigation progresses.

At the time of writing, the EFCC has yet to issue an official comment on Yusuf’s arrest.

Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the commission, has not responded to inquiries from the press.

The lack of an official statement has led to speculation about the exact nature of the charges against Yusuf, as well as the broader implications of his arrest.

Prof. Yusuf’s tenure as NHIS Executive Secretary was a period marked by both achievements and controversy.

While he was credited with attempting to reform and expand the NHIS, which provides health insurance coverage to millions of Nigerians, his tenure was also marred by accusations of financial mismanagement and abuse of power.

These allegations, along with his subsequent removal from office, have made Yusuf a polarizing figure in Nigerian politics and public service.

The ongoing investigation by the EFCC into Yusuf’s activities during his time at NHIS highlights the broader efforts of the anti-corruption agency to hold public officials accountable for any misuse of public resources.

It also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Nigeria in combating corruption within its public institutions.

As the investigation continues, the public will be watching closely to see what charges, if any, are brought against Yusuf and whether his arrest will lead to further revelations about the management of public funds during his time at NHIS.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook