RismadarVoice Reporters, February 25, 2026
Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, on Wednesday admitted additional documentary exhibits tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf.
The documents were presented through the second prosecution witness (PW2), James Balami, Director of Procurement at NHIS, during earlier proceedings held on January 5, 2026.
Ruling on their admissibility on February 25, 2026, Justice Nwecheonwu held that the documents were properly tendered in line with the law and noted that the defence counsel, O.I. Habeeb, SAN, did not object to their admission.
Among the exhibits admitted were Certified True Copies (CTCs) of letters dated November 11, 2016, marked E1–E32; NHIS Procurement Plan 2016, marked F1–F4; NHIS Procurement Plan 2017, marked G1–G5; and the NHIS Procurement Act 2016, marked H1–H2.
During his testimony, Balami told the court that he made five statements to the EFCC after submitting relevant documents to the Commission.
However, when the prosecution sought to tender his extra-judicial statements in evidence, the defence objected.
Following arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the matter to May 13 and 14, 2026, for ruling on the admissibility of the statements and continuation of trial.
Professor Yusuf is facing a five-count charge bordering on alleged embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud amounting to N90,439,178.00.
