EFCC Free To Probe Recalled NHIS Boss, Yusuf – Lai

Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, has said the recall of suspended NHIS Executive Secretary, Usman Yusuf, would not hinder the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from probing him.

Mohammed said this after President Buhari ordered the recall of Yusuf who was earlier indicted for N919 million corruption.

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The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, had suspended Yusuf after a probe panel constituted to investigate the matter found him culpable.

The NHIS boss’ recall had drawn condemnations from different quarters, with some critics questioning the genuineness of the president’s anti-corruption campaign.

But addressing some of the criticisms after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Mohammed said Yusuf’s reinstatement would not hinder any probe of him.

“I am not aware that the EFCC is investigating the recently reinstated executive secretary of NHIS but if that is the case I don’t think his reinstatement is a bar to any investigation,” he said.

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Asked if he was not aware of Yusuf’s investigation, the minister said: “I didn’t say I’m not aware of his investigation. I was precise I said I am not aware that the EFCC is investigating him and that if it is true, that the fact that he has been reinstated does not mean a stop to it. That is what I said.

“I am not saying I’m not aware that he was suspended or any investigation is going on. The fact that he has been reinstated does not mean that the EFCC will not continue with its investigation, that is what I said.”

Meanwhile, the NIHIS boss is expected to resume duty today (Thursday), according to a report by Daily Trust.

“I have resumed. You know, the reinstatement is with immediate effect. I will be in the office tomorrow (Thursday),” Yusuf told the newspaper.

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