Ex-NHIS Boss Arraigned Over $2.2m Fraud By EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday re-arraigned a former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Femi Thomas, on an alleged fraud of $2.1m.

Thomas, alongside one Kabiru Sidi, a Bureau De Change operator, was re-arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The EFCC alleged that Thomas, a two-term Commissioner for Health in Ekiti State, conspired with his wife, Funmi, to make cash payment of $2.2m to one Mr Ibitoye John Bamidele.

Sidi was charged for allegedly lying to an EFCC investigator, Afeez Mustapha, that he was the owner of the $2.2m that Thomas and his wife transacted with.

The EFCC prosecutor, Ekene Iheanacho, said the two defendants acted contrary to sections 18(2)(b), 1(a) and 39(2)(b)  of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004.

Iheanacho said they were liable to be punished under sections 16(2)(b) and 39 (2)(c) of the same Act.

But upon reading the charges to them, Thomas and Sidi pleaded not guilty.

Following a plea by the defence counsel, Justice Faji allowed them to continue on the bail earlier granted them by the court.

The judge adjourned till March 20 for continuation of trial.