Ex-Naval Chief, retired general still on wanted list — ICPC
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (Rtd.), the former Naval Chief, and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka remain on its wanted list due to their alleged involvement in a ₦3 billion fraud case.
Therefore, any claim that the amended charges by ICPC have exonerated the duo of charges concerning embezzlement and abuse of office is fallacious and a figment of the imagination of the writers, it should be disregarded.
The declaration Is contained in a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Director, Public Enlightenment and Education/Spokesperson for the Commission made available to Journalists on Friday.
The statement contained, “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 For the avoidance of doubt, the charges against them were only amended not withdrawn.”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,” It further contained.
READ ALSO: ICPC arrests NSCDC deputy commandant, former Navy Admiral over alleged ₦3bn fraud
According to the statement, “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,” It added.
According to ICPC, “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.
It stressed that “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.”
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