Crime
Fraud Charges: Ex-NHIS Chief Pleads Not Guilty As Court Adjourns Bail Hearing
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on fraud charges.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday brought Yusuf before Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu on an amended five-count charge relating to alleged abuse of office between 2016 and 2017.
The former NHIS boss is accused of conferring undue advantages on himself and awarding contracts without following due process.
READ MORE: Court Postpones Trial Of Ex-NHIS Boss
Yusuf pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His lawyer, O.I. Habeeb, requested that he be held in the custody of the EFCC rather than in prison.
However, Justice Nwecheonwu denied the request, stating that once a defendant is arraigned, custody is transferred to the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The court subsequently ordered Yusuf’s remand in Kuje Prison and adjourned the case to February 12, 2025, for the hearing of his bail application.
Atiku Reacts, Alleges Political Persecution
Yusuf’s detention has drawn criticism from former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who suggested that the case was politically motivated.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku wrote, “Two days ago, the nation was jolted by the arrest of Professor Usman Yusuf, a fierce and unyielding social critic.
“Though the charges against him have been festering since the previous administration, it is impossible to ignore the strong likelihood that his detention is politically motivated.”
The former Vice President accused the Tinubu-led administration of using state institutions to suppress critics, stating, “The Tinubu government, despite being riddled with individuals who themselves are embroiled in scandals and investigations by both local and international authorities, continues to use the very machinery of the state to silence its critics. It weaponises these pending investigations to suppress all opposition.”
Yusuf, known for his outspoken views on governance, has been a vocal critic of successive administrations.
Police Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Taraba After Sustained Pressure
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of three kidnapped victims in Taraba State following sustained pressure mounted by its rescue teams.
The victims were identified as Otuwe Torhumba, 37; Kenneth Nyiutse, 35; and Michael Emmanuel, 27.
The Force made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in its 24-hour operational update covering security operations recorded across the country on October 2.
ALSO READ: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Due to sustained pressure by Police rescue teams, three of five kidnapped victims — Otuwe Torhumba (37), Kenneth Nyiutse (35) and Michael Emmanuel (27) — were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
The Police said the three victims were rescued unharmed and subsequently reunited with their families.
The Force did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the whereabouts of the remaining two victims in the operational summary.
The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Jalingo.
The rescue was among several operational successes recorded by the Nigeria Police Force during the reporting period.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed the rescue of an 86-year-old man and his son after they were allegedly detained by suspected members of the Axe Men confraternity in Cross River State.
The victims, identified as Dominic Columbus Udoh, 86, and his son, Emmanuel Columbus Udoh, 40, were rescued by Police operatives on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, October 3, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across the country.
SEE ALSO: Benue: Police Repel Bandit Ambush, Recover Locally Fabricated Gun
According to the Force, Police operatives were mobilised to the scene after receiving information that suspected Axe Men confraternity cultists had unlawfully detained the two men.
The Police said the suspected cultists fled from the scene when operatives arrived.
The Force stated that officers, with assistance from neighbours, “forced open the locked apartment,” where the two victims were found.
According to the Police, both victims had sustained facial and chest injuries.
They were subsequently rescued and conveyed to the Police Hospital for medical treatment.
The Police said the incident is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Calabar.
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that personnel of Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF) repelled an ambush by suspected bandits along the Amaafu-Abaji Road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a routine patrol by the security personnel along the road.
The Police made the disclosure on Saturday, in its 24-hour operational update detailing security successes recorded across different states.
SEE MORE: 2027: Ogun Police Begins Early Election Security Preparations, Warns Against Political Violence
According to the Police, “Personnel of Operation Zenda JTF on routine patrol along Amaafu-Abaji Road successfully repelled an ambush by bandits, neutralizing one suspect and recovering his locally fabricated gun.”
The Police added that other members of the group fled into the surrounding bushes following the encounter.
It further stated that “No Police casualty was recorded” during the operation.
The recovered firearm was subsequently taken as part of the evidence from the operation as investigations continue.
The Police said the case has been placed under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi.
The Police Force continues to urge members of the public to provide security agencies with timely and useful information that can assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
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