N90.4m fraud: Court admits fresh exhibits against ex-NHIS boss

Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, on Wednesday admitted additional documents tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the ongoing trial of former National Health Insurance Scheme boss, Usman Yusuf.

The documents were presented through the second prosecution witness, James Balami, Director of Procurement at NHIS, during proceedings earlier held on January 5, 2026.

Ruling on their admissibility on February 25, 2026, Justice Nwecheonwu held that the exhibits were properly brought before the court in line with the law, noting that the defence counsel, O.I. Habeeb, SAN, did not object to their tendering.

The court subsequently admitted Certified True Copies of letters dated November 11, 2016, marked E1–E32. Also admitted were the NHIS Procurement Plan for 2016, marked F1–F4; the Procurement Plan for 2017, marked G1–G5; and the NHIS Procurement Act 2016, marked H1–H2.

While testifying under examination by prosecution counsel Francis Usani, the witness explained his interaction with investigators after he was invited by the EFCC.

He told the court that he submitted the documents and made multiple statements to the commission.

“After I took those documents to the Commission, I made statements. The statements were not made in one day. I can recognise the statements. There are five,” he said.

However, attempts by the prosecution to tender the witness’ extra-judicial statements were opposed by the defence.

Following arguments from both sides, Justice Nwecheonwu adjourned the case to May 13 and 14, 2026, for ruling on the admissibility of the statements and continuation of trial.

Yusuf is being prosecuted by the EFCC on a five-count charge bordering on alleged embezzlement, conferring undue advantage and fraud amounting to N90,439,178.00.