The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Monday ordered the remand of former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Executive Secretary, Usman Yusuf, in prison over charges of N90.4 million fraud.
The remand order was issued by Judge Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu following Yusuf’s arraignment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Yusuf with five counts of fraud and self-enrichment. The charges involve approximately N90.4 million, according to the EFCC.
Yusuf, a professor of haematology-oncology and bone marrow transplantation, pleaded not guilty to all five charges.
Following the defendant’s plea, prosecuting lawyer, Francis Usani, urged the court to schedule the case for trial.
Defence lawyer, O.I Habeeb, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), did not oppose Mr Usani’s application. However, he prayed the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the EFCC pending the hearing of his bail application.
In her ruling, the judge, Ms Nwecheonwu, remanded the defendant in Kuje correctional facility in Abuja. She said prison is the proper place of custody of a defendant after arraignment.
She then adjourned till 12 February for hearing of defe dant’s bail request.
EFCC arrested Mr Yusuf in Abuja last Wednesday and detained him ahead of proceedings scheduled for the following day (Thursday).
Join the Premium Times WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
Open in WhatsApp
At Thursday’s hearing, the lawyer who led the defence team, Isah Haruna, applied orally to the court for Mr Yusuf’s bail.
However, the judge turned down the request, given that the defendant’s arraignment has been rescheduled for Monday.
He ordered the remand of the defendant in EFCC till Monday (today).