Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, has adjourned the ruling on the bail application of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, Professor Usman Yusuf, until February 27, 2025.
Yusuf faces five counts related to embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud amounting to N90,439,178.00 (Ninety Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Seventy-Eight Naira).
In opposing the defendant’s bail application, prosecution counsel Francis Usani submitted a counter affidavit, stating that the alleged offences have a significant impact on the well-being of Nigerians, tarnishing the country’s image and hampering government development efforts.
Usani emphasized that the evidence gathered during the investigation is overwhelming and could lead to a conviction.
He noted that the defendant failed to comply with the conditions of an administrative bail previously granted, which required him to report regularly and bi-weekly to the authorities during the investigation.
Usani further expressed concerns that if granted bail, Yusuf might abscond, given the strength of the evidence against him.
He highlighted that it took extensive surveillance and intelligence efforts to apprehend the defendant, who has publicly claimed that his case would not proceed due to his political connections.
Usani argued that those connections could allow Yusuf to influence witnesses from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) who are slated to testify against him.
Usani concluded that it was the defendant’s responsibility to present compelling evidence to justify his bail application.
He pointed out that the affidavit submitted by Bashir Yusuf in support of the bail request did not provide sufficient grounds for the court to grant bail or challenge the prosecution’s case.
On the other hand, the defendant’s counsel, O. I. Habeeb, SAN, filed a motion requesting the court to grant Yusuf bail pending his trial, under any terms and conditions the court may find appropriate.
He argued that the offences charged are bailable and that Yusuf has met all requirements for bail on liberal terms.
Subsequently, Justice Nwecheonwu adjourned the case for a ruling on the bail application to February 27, 2025, while continuing to remand the defendant at Kuje Correctional Centre until the ruling.
