The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC, has stated that retired Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka has not been cleared of N3 billion fraud case, contrary to speculations.
In a statement on Friday by Demola Bakare, the Director, Public Enlightenment and Education/Spokesperson, ICPC reaffirmed that both ex-military officers remain on its wanted list.
ICPC said the reports suggesting the duo had been cleared are fallacious, urging the public to disregard such claims.
The ICPC emphasized that amended charges filed in court do not equate to withdrawal of allegations or absolution, stressing that arrest warrants for Usman and Bauka remain active.
“The Ex-Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (Rtd.), and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka are still on ICPC’s wanted list for their alleged involvement in a N3 billion fraud.
“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.
“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“For the avoidance of doubt, the charges against them were only amended not withdrawn.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.”
On April 17, 2023, the ICPC initially charged Usman, Bauka, and four others with embezzlement, abuse of office, and conspiracy to launder N3 billion in public funds.
Despite substituted service of court documents through their lawyers, both retired officers failed to appear for arraignment, prompting the Federal High Court to issue bench warrants for their arrest.
On February 4, 2025, the commission arrested Adam Imam Yusuf, the second defendant in the case, at his residence in Gwagwalada, Abuja. Usman and Bauka, however, remain fugitives.
