Court Admits EFCC Documents in Trial of Ex‑NHIS Boss Usman Yusuf
Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, on February 25, 2026, admitted additional documents tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing prosecution of former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Executive Secretary, Professor Usman Yusuf.
The documents, presented by James Balami, NHIS Director of Procurement and the second prosecution witness, include certified true copies of official letters dated November 11, 2016, NHIS procurement plans for 2016 and 2017, and the NHIS Procurement Act 2016. Justice Nwecheonwu ruled that their admission was proper in law, noting that the defence, led by O.I. Habeeb, SAN, raised no objection.
During his testimony, Balami confirmed submitting the documents to the EFCC and making five statements in relation to the investigation. However, efforts by the prosecution to tender those extra‑judicial statements were opposed by the defence, prompting the court to adjourn to May 13 and 14, 2026, for ruling on their admissibility and continuation of trial.
Yusuf is facing a five‑count charge brought by the EFCC, alleging embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud amounting to ₦90,439,178.
