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), following a raid on his Abuja home on Wednesday afternoon.
Yusuf, a professor of haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation, was apprehended in the presence of his wife and children at approximately 4:46 pm. While the exact charges or offences leading to his arrest have not been disclosed, EFCC sources suggest that the investigation may be linked to his tenure at the NHIS.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Yusuf was taken to an undisclosed location shortly after his arrest. A highly-placed official within the EFCC confirmed that the details of the arrest cannot be publicly released at this time, as investigations are still ongoing.
“The reason for his arrest can’t be made public now because investigations are still ongoing. What I know is that he’s in custody and he will help the detectives in their investigations,” said the source.
As of now, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, has not issued any official statement regarding the arrest.
Prof. Yusuf served as Executive Secretary of NHIS until his removal in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His dismissal followed a fact-finding panel investigation by the Federal Ministry of Health, which had recommended his removal due to allegations of mismanagement involving ₦919 million. The panel’s findings, which led to his ousting, had been part of a wider scrutiny of his actions during his tenure at the NHIS.
The ongoing arrest and investigation into Yusuf’s activities are expected to shed light on any potential irregularities or corruption related to his previous position.
