News
Contracts Awarded By Ex-NHIA Boss Did Not Go Through Procurement Procedures: Witness Tells Court
Contracts Awarded By Ex-NHIA Boss Did Not Go Through Procurement Procedures: Witness Tells Court
James Balami, the Second Prosecution Witness, PW2, in the trial of the former National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA boss, Professor Usman Yusuf on Thursday, May 14, 2026 told the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, presided over by Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu that the contract awarded to Lubekh Nigeria Ltd by NHIA for the supply of vehicles under the leadership of the defendant was not subjected to procurement processes.
The witness, Director of Procurement, NHIA disclosed that the contract was awarded to the company, whose alter ego is Kabiru Yusuf Yar’adua, a brother to the defendant, Professor Yusuf.
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Led in his examination-in-chief by prosecution counsel, Francis Usani, the witness disclosed that Lubekh Nigeria Ltd, Zaramat Global Company Ltd and GK Kanki Foundation were the three companies which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, requested the NHIA in a letter to furnish it with some information.
“Kabiru Yusuf Yar’adua is a business man and owner of Lubekh company and a brother to the defendant, Professor Yusuf, who was the then chief executive,” he said.
He stated that Lubekh Nigeria Ltd submitted documents for the award of contracts, which he disclosed “were evaluated and found to be responsive both technically and financially, and the Tenders Board considered the report presented to it and approved the award of the contract to it for the supply of vehicle.”
When asked by the prosecution counsel if he could recall the value of the contract, he said “I can’t recall, but there is one that is about N9 million,” adding that the process of the award took place between the NHIA Human Resources and the defendant, who was the Chief Executive Officer with the Procurement Department, sidelined.
“It emanated from the Human Resources to the Chief Executive Officer, and Accounting Officer, Professor Yusuf as at that time. So, it did not go through procurement and by implication it did not go through procurement process,” he said.
Testifying further, the witnessed revealed that one Hassan Khalifa Yusuf, the defendant’s nephew and son of his brother, Kabiru Yusuf Yar’adua, (the contract awardee), who was a seconded staffer to the Authority, evaluated the contract, awarded to Lubekh Nig Limited.
“Hassan Khalifa Yusuf is the son of the owner of Lubekh Nig Ltd,” he said.
Further in his testimony, the witness disclosed that there were a series of petitions against Professor Yusuf sent to the ICPC, EFCC, Federal Ministry of Health as well as the Presidency, all bordering on his alleged maladministration of the Authority and procurement breaches.
“There were a series of petitions against Professor Yusuf, the defendant and some of the petitions were addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, ICPC, Federal Ministry of Health, as well as to the Presidency, bordering on maladministration and procurement breaches. Two panels were set up: one ministerial investigative panel was set up to consider the allegations to which I was equally invited. There was another panel, which was a presidential panel to consider these allegations,” he said.
The defence counsel, O. I Habeeb, SAN, objected to oral evidence of the proceedings in the panels, arguing that the evidence concerning the petitions and panels are irrelevant. The judge, however, counteracted him.
“I don’t think he has exceeded his boundaries,” the judge said.

Court
In his cross-examination, the witness informed the court that Exhibit B, being N80 million, comprising N30 million in 2015 and N50 million in 2016 was budgeted for Prado SUV. Explaining Exhibit B, the witness stated that it was a schedule of contracts, considered and approved by the Tenders Board, not an appropriation and not an approved budget.
He informed the court that based on Exhibit B, the Tenders Board had no authority to approve the contract award.
“Yes my lord, based on Exhibit B, they have no authority to approve the award,” he said.
Justice Nwecheonwu adjourned till October 14 and 15, 2026 for the continuation of cross-examination and hearing on the matter.
News
IGP Disu Receives (LASU) Alumni Association Delegation, Conferred With Emeritus Membership
IGP Disu Receives (LASU) Alumni Association Delegation, Conferred With Emeritus Membership
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, today, Thursday, 22nd October 2026, received a delegation of the Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni Association led by its President, Mr Morisson Quakers, SAN, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. During the visit, the Association conferred emeritus membership on the IGP in recognition of his achievements and contributions to public service.
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Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Association’s President commended the IGP’s leadership and commitment to people-centred policing, personnel welfare and inter-agency collaboration. He noted that the policy direction and priorities of his administration would shape the legacy of his tenure and assured him of the Association’s continued support.
The Chairman of the Association’s Board of Trustees, Mr Lekan Ogunbanwo, described the IGP as a worthy representative of the University and commended his accessibility and dedication to service.
In his remarks, the IGP expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him by the alumni and acknowledged the University’s contribution to his personal and professional development and the encouragement he had received from fellow alumni throughout his career.

Police
The IGP also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism and improve personnel welfare through institutional initiatives and partnerships. He called for greater public understanding and cooperation with police officers in the discharge of their duties, acknowledging the demands and sacrifices associated with policing.
The Inspector-General of Police thanked the Association for its goodwill and reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining ties with his alma mater while advancing the Force’s mandate to protect lives and property and serve the public.
CSP ANI INIEDU, anipr
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
22nd October, 2026
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News
Nigerian Navy, NDLEA Recover Drugs in Joint Operations, Arrest 10 Suspects in Warri
Nigerian Navy, NDLEA Recover Drugs in Joint Operations, Arrest 10 Suspects in Warri
The Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested 10 suspects and recovered assorted substances suspected to be illicit drugs during a joint operation in the Warri general area of Delta State.
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The operation, conducted by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA and NDLEA from 19 to 20 October 2026, targeted locations suspected of being used for the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs. Items recovered included five cards of tramadol, 20 litres of Monkey Tail, 20 kilogrammes of cannabis, 10 kilogrammes of Colorado and other related exhibits.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.

NDLEA
The operation reflects the Nigerian Navy’s contribution to tackling drug-related criminality through intelligence-led collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies. The Navy will continue to support coordinated efforts to disrupt illicit drug distribution networks and strengthen security within its area of responsibility.
Signed AA FOLORUNSHO
Navy Captain
Director Naval Information.
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News
Nigeria Customs, TMPL Test Cutting-Edge Cargo Scanners in China Ahead of Deployment
Nigeria Customs, TMPL Test Cutting-Edge Cargo Scanners in China Ahead of Deployment
A high-powered delegation of experts from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) recently completed a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the newly acquired Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment and Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) in China.
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The two-week exercise, led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in charge of the Information Communication and Technology/Modernisation Department, Oluyomi Adebakin, took place from 9 to 20 October 2026 at Nuctech Company Limited’s facility in China, the manufacturer of the advanced systems. The delegation conducted comprehensive technical verification of the high-tech scanners and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, designed to work in synergy to enhance cargo examination and real-time monitoring from port to destination.
During the test, DCG Adebakin reaffirmed Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi’s commitment to using technology as a catalyst for trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, and national security. She said the FAT is a crucial quality-assurance process to ensure the scanners and tracking system meet contractual specifications and global operational standards before shipment to Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi, is committed to ensuring that we deploy only cutting-edge, fit-for-purpose technology that will fast-track cargo examination, reduce dwell time, and enhance our ability to detect concealments and prohibited items, improve revenue generation, as well as facilitate legitimate trade”, CG Adebakin said.
For his part, the Acting Comptroller, Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII), Deputy Comptroller of Customs Umar Madugu, noted that deploying the new scanners and ECTS will significantly reduce the need for 100% physical examination, minimise human contact, curb cargo diversion, and improve efficiency across Customs formations.
Speaking on behalf of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the company’s General Manager, Bamidele Chinedu, described the FAT as a milestone in implementing the TMP, stressing that integrating NII scanners and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System is central to achieving a transparent, technology-driven Customs system.

TMPL
Also speaking, Niu Chao, Project Manager, Nuctech Company Limited, China, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering world-class equipment, technical support, capacity building, and after-sales services.
During the exercise, technical experts from both NCS and TMPL were also trained to handle, operate, and maintain the scanners and the ECTS to ensure seamless deployment and sustainability in Nigeria.
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