By Francis Wilfred
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kuje, Abuja, has admitted additional documentary evidence in the ongoing trial of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf, over an alleged N90.4 million fraud.Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu admitted the documents during proceedings after ruling that they were properly tendered in accordance with the law.
The exhibits were presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its second prosecution witness, James Balami, Director of Procurement at NHIS. According to the court, defence counsel O.I. Habeeb, SAN, did not object when prosecution counsel Francis Usani applied to tender the documents.Admitted exhibits include Certified True Copies of letters dated November 11, 2016, marked E1–E32, as well as NHIS Procurement Plans for 2016 and 2017 and procurement-related documents.
While testifying, Balami told the court he submitted relevant procurement documents and made several statements to EFCC investigators following an invitation by the commission.The defence, however, objected when the prosecution sought to tender the witness’s extra-judicial statements, prompting arguments from both parties.
Justice Nwecheonwu adjourned the matter to May 13 and 14, 2026, for ruling on the admissibility of the statements and continuation of trial proceedings.
Yusuf is facing a five-count charge filed by the EFCC relating to alleged embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud involving N90,439,178. The defendant has denied the allegations.
