The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken into custody Prof. Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Sources indicate that EFCC operatives, armed and in full tactical gear, stormed Yusuf’s Abuja residence in the early hours of Wednesday.
Although, attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for confirmation were inconclusive, but he promised to verify the development but had yet to provide an official statement at the time of this report.
Witnesses, however, said he was seized in the presence of his family before being whisked away to an undisclosed location.
Although authorities have yet to reveal the official charges against him, insiders speculate that the professor of haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation ‘s arrest may be tied to financial dealings during his tenure at NHIS.
A senior source, who was familiar with the development but pleaded not to be named, said, “Investigations are ongoing, and for now, the specifics cannot be made public. What is certain is that he is in EFCC custody, assisting with inquiries.”
Yusuf’s history with the NHIS has not been without controversy.
Newsworth24 reports that during his brief tenure, Yusuf clashed repeatedly with Health Management Organizations (HMOs), even taking his grievances to the National Assembly.
He accused their Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of corruption and alleged that they consistently shortchanged both the government and insurance subscribers.
In 2019, he was dismissed by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, months after a Federal Ministry of Health panel accused him of mismanaging ₦919 million.
Since then, he has been in the vanguard of criticizing the Federal government of corruption and bad governance
