The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) announced on Friday that former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (retd.), and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka (retd.) remain on its wanted list over their alleged involvement in a N3 billion fraud.
In a statement by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the commission refuted claims that the two men had been exonerated after the charges against them were amended.
The ICPC clarified that although the charges had been amended, they were never withdrawn, and Usman and Bauka are still fugitives. “To clarify, the charges were only amended, not withdrawn. Any suggestion that the amended charges exonerated them is false and should be disregarded,” the statement read.
Bakare further emphasized that active arrest warrants remain for both individuals, urging the public to assist law enforcement in capturing them. “It should be clear that arrest warrants are still in effect for both ex-military officers. Anyone who locates them should help bring them to justice,” Bakare added.
The commission explained that prosecuting authorities may amend charges when proceeding with cases against those already in custody while leaving the case open for those still at large.
Usman and Bauka were initially charged, alongside five others, in a case filed on April 17, 2023. Bakare stated that despite the charges being served through their legal representatives, both failed to appear for arraignment, prompting a bench warrant for their arrest.
On February 4, 2025, one of their co-defendants, Adam Imam Yusuf, was arrested at his residence in Gwagwalada, Abuja, but Usman and Bauka remain at large.
Bakare assured the public that efforts to apprehend the two fugitives continue and, once arrested, the charges would be amended to include the initial allegations against them. “Rest assured, if they are captured, the charges will be amended to reflect the original allegations,” Bakare concluded.
