By Abigail Philip David
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed that former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (retd.), and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka (retd.) remain wanted for their alleged involvement in a N3 billion fraud case.
In a statement on Friday, the ICPC’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, dismissed claims that the two had been exonerated following amendments to the charges against them. He clarified that the charges were modified but never withdrawn, and the duo remains fugitives.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the charges against them were only amended, not withdrawn. Any claim that the amended charges exonerated them is fallacious and should be disregarded,” the statement read.
Bakare further emphasized that an active arrest warrant remains in place for Usman and Bauka, urging the public to assist in locating them.
“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,” he added.
According to the ICPC, prosecuting agencies frequently amend charges to proceed against defendants already in custody while keeping cases open against those evading arrest.
Usman and Bauka were originally charged alongside five others in a case filed on April 17, 2023. Despite being served through their legal representatives, they failed to appear for arraignment, leading to a bench warrant for their arrest.
Bakare also revealed that on February 4, 2025, one of the co-defendants, Adam Imam Yusuf, was apprehended at his residence in Gwagwalada, Abuja. However, Usman and Bauka remain at large.
Reassuring the public, the ICPC stated that efforts to arrest the fugitives are ongoing and that, once in custody, the charges would be updated to include all original allegations against them.
