Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Usman Yusuf, for allegedly awarding contracts to family members while in office.

Yusuf was also accused of inflating the scheme’s ICT budget from N4.975 billion to N8.7 billion and approving payments beyond his approval limit.

Sources in the commission said the ex-NHIS boss was arrested on Wednesday night and would be arrianged on Thursday.

One of the sources said, “We have just arrested the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme,
Prof. Usman Yusuf.

“From our investigations, we found out that he awarded contracts to family members, including Lubekh Nigeria Limited, a company where his nephew Khalifa Hassan Yusufu is a director.

“He also inflated the ICT budget from N4.975 billion to N8.7 billion and approved payments beyond his approval limit.

“In summary, Yusuf used his position for personal gains, including approving contracts without due process and awarding contracts to companies without competence.”

EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale confirmed Yusuf’s arrest.