Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, Investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
The trial of former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Executive Secretary, Usman Yusuf, gathered momentum on Wednesday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the admission of additional documentary exhibits before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
Presiding over the matter at the Kuchiako Division in Kuje, Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu ruled that the documents tendered by the prosecution were admissible under the law, noting that the defence did not object to their introduction. Procurement records admitted as exhibits the documents were presented through the Second Prosecution Witness (PW2), James Balami, Director of Procurement at the NHIS, during earlier proceedings held on January 5, 2026. At Wednesday’s sitting, prosecution counsel Francis Usani formally applied for their admission into evidence. Justice Nwecheonwu subsequently admitted and marked the following Certified True Copies (CTCs): Letters dated November 11, 2016 — marked Exhibits E1–E32 NHIS Procurement Plan 2016 — marked Exhibits F1–F4 NHIS Procurement Plan 2017 — marked Exhibits G1–G5 NHIS Procurement Act 2016 — marked Exhibits H1–H2
The court held that the documents met the legal threshold for admissibility and were unchallenged by defence counsel O.I. Habeeb, SAN. Dispute Over Extra-Judicial Statements
While testifying, Balami told the court that he made multiple statements to the EFCC following his invitation by the anti-graft agency. “After I took those documents to the Commission, I made statements. The statements were not made in one day. I can recognize the statements. There are five,” the witness said. However, when the prosecution sought to tender the extra-judicial statements in evidence, the defence objected. Both parties presented counter-arguments on the admissibility of the statements.
Justice Nwecheonwu adjourned the matter to May 13 and 14, 2026, for a ruling on the admissibility of the statements and continuation of trial. Back ground to the Allegations professor Yusuf is facing a five-count charge filed by the EFCC, bordering on alleged embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud totaling N90,439,178.00. The charges stem from procurement-related decisions taken during his tenure as head of the NHIS, Nigeria’s public health insurance agency responsible for expanding access to healthcare coverage. Yusuf has denied wrongdoing. The case is part of a broader anti-corruption enforcement drive targeting alleged financial misconduct in public institutions — a recurring issue within Nigeria’s healthcare administration system. Wider public interest the trial has drawn national attention due to the strategic importance of the NHIS in Nigeria’s healthcare financing architecture. Transparency in procurement processes within public health institutions remains central to ongoing governance reforms. The EFCC’s prosecution of high-profile public officials continues to test the strength of Nigeria’s anti-corruption legal framework and judicial independence. Sources: This development has also been reported by: PremiumTimes;The Punch; Vanguard; The Cable.
Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.
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