Mathew Amaechi
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has intensified its search for former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (retired), and retired Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka Gangum, in connection with an alleged N3 billion fraud.
This development follows the recent arrest of Adam Imam Yusuf, a Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, who is implicated in the same case.
ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, disclosed that Yusuf was apprehended at his residence in Gwagwalada, Abuja, after evading arrest for several months. He is accused of collaborating with Jibrin and Gangum in a scheme that involved diverting public funds through 92 fictitious companies not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The diverted funds were allegedly funneled into entities such as Lahab Integrated and Gate Coast Properties, leading to the acquisition of over 18 properties, including filling stations. To date, four of these properties have been forfeited to the government, with legal proceedings ongoing for the remaining assets.
Bakare emphasized that the ICPC has been actively pursuing the suspects for the past six months. With Yusuf now in custody, efforts are being intensified to locate and apprehend Jibrin and Gangum, who remain at large and may have fled the country. The commission urges anyone with information on their whereabouts to come forward, as it remains committed to ensuring that those involved in the misappropriation of public funds are brought to justice.
This case highlights the ICPC’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial misconduct within Nigeria’s public sector. The commission continues to work diligently to trace and recover diverted funds, ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law.
