The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), reaffirmed on Friday that Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (retd.), former Chief of Naval Staff, and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka (retd.) remain on the agency’s wanted list in connection with an alleged N3 billion fraud.
In a statement released by the Commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the ICPC refuted claims that the two men had been cleared of charges after the amendment of the fraud charges against them.
The Commission clarified that although the charges had been amended, they were never withdrawn, and both individuals are still fugitives.
“To avoid any confusion, the charges against them were only amended, not withdrawn.
Any assertion that the amendment exonerates them is false and should be disregarded,” the statement read.
Bakare emphasized that outstanding arrest warrants are still in effect for both Usman and Bauka, urging the public to assist law enforcement in locating and bringing them to justice.
“There is a valid arrest warrant for the two former military officers.
Anyone who has information about their whereabouts is urged to help in their apprehension,” Bakare added.
The ICPC explained that amended charges are a common practice to ensure the continuation of proceedings against defendants in custody while leaving the case open for those evading arrest.
The two ex-officers were originally charged along with five other individuals in an indictment filed on April 17, 2023.
Although the charges were served to their legal representatives, both Usman and Bauka failed to appear for their arraignment, prompting the issuance of bench warrants for their arrest.
“On February 4, 2025, one of their co-defendants, Adam Imam Yusuf, was arrested at his home in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
However, Usman and Bauka remain at large,” Bakare confirmed.
He reassured the public that efforts to capture the fugitive officers are ongoing, and once arrested, the charges will be further amended to reflect all original allegations.
“The public is assured that, once apprehended, the charges will be amended to include the original allegations filed against them,” Bakare concluded.
