The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting at Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, has admitted additional documentary exhibits in the ongoing trial of former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf, who is standing trial over alleged financial impropriety.
Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu admitted the documents on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, following their presentation by the prosecution led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The documents were tendered through the second prosecution witness, James Balami, the Director of Procurement at the National Health Insurance Scheme, during proceedings that commenced earlier in January 2026.
In her ruling, Justice Nwecheonwu held that the documents were properly admitted in line with extant legal provisions, noting that the defence raised no objection at the point of tendering. Defence counsel, O. I. Habeeb, SAN, did not oppose their admissibility.
Among the exhibits admitted were Certified True Copies of letters dated November 11, 2016, marked as Exhibits E1–E32. Also admitted were the Certified True Copy of the NHIS Procurement Plan for 2016 (Exhibits F1–F4), the NHIS Procurement Plan for 2017 (Exhibits G1–G5), and the Certified True Copy of the NHIS Procurement Act 2016 (Exhibits H1–H2).
While being led in evidence by prosecution counsel Francis Usani, the witness narrated his interactions with the EFCC following his invitation by 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,” Balami told the court.
However, attempts by the prosecution to tender the extra-judicial statements of the witness were opposed by the defence.
Following arguments from both sides, Justice Nwecheonwu 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 embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud involving the sum of N90,439,178.00.
Public Reactions Trail Trial
The court proceedings have continued to attract strong reactions on social media, where opinions remain sharply divided.
While some commentators insist that Yusuf should be allowed to defend himself in court, others have questioned what they describe as selective prosecution by anti-graft agencies.
Several commenters compared the case with other high-profile corruption allegations involving former governors and senior political figures, arguing that public confidence in the anti-corruption fight depends on fairness and consistency.
Others cautioned against drawing conclusions before the conclusion of trial, stressing the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence.
As the case progresses, the court is expected to rule on the disputed extra-judicial statements at the next adjourned date, a decision that could shape the direction of the trial going forward.
