Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has begun a manhunt for a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (rtd.), over alleged N3bn fraud.
ICPC operatives have however arrested a Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, Adam Imam Yusuf, for his role in the alleged fraud.
According to the spokesman of the anti-graft agency, Demola Bakare, the commission has been on the trail of the three suspects – Jibrin, Yusuf and a retired Brigadier-General, Ishaya Bauka Gangum, over the alleged fraud.
The ICPC said that the three suspects had been at large for six months before the agency finally approached a competent court to obtain a warrant to arrest them.
The anti-graft Agency said Yusuf was finally arrested at his residence in Gwagwalada, Abuja, and he was subsequently taken into custody for further interrogation.
It added that the arrested suspect would face prosecution.
The ICPC spokesman said, “They are at large. They may not even be in the country. He (ex-naval chief) may not be in the country, I’ve not confirmed. We’ve been looking for them since. It is not a new case.
“Warrant of arrest was issued in June (2024). We’ve been looking for three of them but we couldn’t locate them. We then applied for a warrant of arrest from the court against the three of them, which was granted and we have arrested one of them for now. But the remaining two are being hunted.”
The ICPC stated that investigations had revealed that the former naval chief allegedly orchestrated the fraud through Yusuf and the retired Brigadier-General.
It further disclosed that the alleged scheme involved the diversion of public funds, using 92 fictitious companies not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The ICPC’s statement partly read, “An investigation by the ICPC traced these funds to Lahab Integrated, Gate Coast Properties, and other affiliated companies, leading to the acquisition of over 18 properties, including filling stations.
“Four of these properties have been forfeited to the government so far, while legal proceedings continue over the remaining assets. The ICPC is also intensifying efforts to apprehend other suspects at large.”
