Ex-Naval Chief Jibrin Usman still wanted for alleged N3bn fraud – ICPC

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission, ICPC, has said ex-Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (Rtd.), and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka are still on its wanted list for their alleged involvement in a N3 billion fraud.

Demola Bakare, The Director, Public Enlightenment and Education/
Spokesperson for the Commission said this in a statement on Friday while dismissing claim the two defendants have been absolved of the allegations.

Bakare said the recent amendment of the charges against the duo by ICPC does not amount to exoneration of the charges concerning embezzlement and abuse of office against them as being speculated

The ICPC spokesperson therefore said the claim that the duo have been exonerated of the charges is “fallacious and a figment of the imagination of the writers, it should be disregarded.”

“It should be clearly stated that there is a subsisting arrest warrant against the two ex-military officers, whoever sees them could assist in bringing them to justice.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the charges against them were only amended not withdrawn.

“ICPC does not clear anybody of a case already in court. It is a normal practice for prosecuting agencies to amend charges and proceed against the available defendants in a case pending when those at large or on court bench warrants would be arrested.

“When those at large or court bench warrants are arrested, they would be added to manifest the initial charge.

“It should also be recalled that the ex-Naval chief in particular was charged along with five others in the original charge dated and filed on the 17th day of April, 2023.

‘The charges were served on the Defendants by substituted means through their lawyers, yet they failed to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the Court for arraignment.

“Prompted by the Defendants’ refusal to come to court for their arraignment, the Commission sought and obtained a bench warrant from the trial court for their arrest.

‘On the 4th day of February 2025, Mr. Adam Imam Yusuf, the 2nd Defendant in the original charge was arrested in his home in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, Abuja, leaving the two ex-military generals yet to be arrested.

‘Efforts are still underway by the Commission to pick them. The public is hereby assured that if they are arrested today, the ongoing charges will be amended to accommodate the allegations initially filed against them,” ICPC said in the statement.