The NEC allows the use of only a bushing if it is not entirely made of insulating material.
I believe that the NEC does not specifically allow a bonding bushing to take the place of a fitting locknut.
Typical bonding bushings (which have setscrews to hold onto the conduit or fitting) are not listed for that use. Bonding bushings have different listing specification requirements (UL467) than fitting locknuts (UL514B) and are not tested for use as a locknut function. In the OP, the bonding bushings were used to secure NM fittings.
344.46 intends for a bushing to protect the conductors but not support the conduit. In 300.4(F), it specifically prohibits NM bushings from being used to secure a raceway or fitting, but does not mention anything about metallic bushings solely being used for such purpose.
This being said, there are a few bonding bushings out there that can be used to support Rigid conduit as a locknut and provide a bonding point (i.e. T&B's "BlackJack). However, I do not believe that bushing is listed for use with a fitting. I looked at the UL listing and there is no mention of being acceptable for use with fittings in place of a locknut - like a hub or standard connector.
http://www.tnb-canada.com/en/catalogues/online/industrial_MRO/pdf/c5/fittings_01e_eng.pdf This bushing is listed for mechanically holding conduit by UL514B and bonding by UL467.
Of course, at the end of the day, anyone can do anything to try to get away with it - just like in the OP.