The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken into custody former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, along with Adam Yusuf, a Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, over allegations of misappropriating public funds exceeding ₦3 billion.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
In an official statement released on Friday, ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Demola Bakare, confirmed the arrests, stating that Yusuf had been evading law enforcement before being apprehended at his residence in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Investigations by the ICPC revealed that Jibrin allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated financial fraud scheme with the assistance of Yusuf and former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum. The illicit activities reportedly involved the use of 92 shell companies, none of which were registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to siphon public funds.
Money Laundering and Property Acquisitions
According to intelligence reports, some of the diverted funds were used to acquire high-value real estate, including properties in Dubai, with transactions executed through proxies.
Further investigations traced a portion of the funds to companies such as Lahab Integrated and Gate Coast Properties, which were instrumental in the purchase of at least 18 properties. While four of these properties have already been forfeited to the federal government, legal proceedings continue over the remaining assets.
Legal Proceedings and Past Allegations
The fraudulent activities linked to Jibrin and Yusuf date back several years. In 2019, a Federal High Court issued an interim forfeiture order on assets connected to the case. However, in July 2022, the court lifted the order, citing insufficient evidence presented by the ICPC. The commission has since appealed the ruling, arguing that it failed to account for the overwhelming evidence of corruption.
Jibrin has been under scrutiny for multiple financial crimes since his tenure as the 21st Chief of Naval Staff from 2014 to 2015. In 2024, a Federal High Court issued an arrest warrant against him in connection with a separate ₦1.5 billion money laundering case filed by the ICPC. Additionally, he has faced allegations related to another ₦600 million money laundering scheme.
Ongoing Investigation and Further Arrests
As part of its intensified anti-corruption efforts, the ICPC is working to apprehend other individuals suspected of involvement in the scandal. The agency has reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting all those responsible for the fraudulent diversion of public funds and ensuring that stolen assets are recovered.
The case underscores Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption in public office, highlighting the need for stricter financial oversight and accountability within government institutions.
