The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has said that 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.
The Commission debunked claims that its amended charges have exonerated the duo of embezzlement and abuse of office, describing such claims as fallacious and a figment of the imagination of the writers, which should be disregarded.
In a statement signed by Demola Bakare, its Director of Public Enlightenment and Education and Spokesperson, the Commission stated that there is a subsisting arrest warrant against the two ex-military officers, adding that “whoever sees them could assist in bringing them to justice.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the charges against them were only amended, not withdrawn.”
The ICPC emphasized that it does not clear anyone of a case already in court, adding that it is standard practice for prosecuting agencies to amend charges and proceed against the available defendants while awaiting the arrest of those at large or under court bench warrants.
“When those at large or under court bench warrants are arrested, they will be added to 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 April 17, 2023,” the statement added.
“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 appear in court for their arraignment, the Commission sought and obtained a bench warrant from the trial court for their arrest.
“On February 4, 2025, Mr. Adam Imam Yusuf, the second defendant in the original charge, was arrested at his home in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, Abuja, leaving the two ex-military officers yet to be arrested.
“Efforts are still underway by the Commission to apprehend 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.”
