The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports claiming that retired Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka have been cleared of charges in a N3 billion fraud case.
In a statement released on Friday, Demola Bakare, ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, clarified that both former military officers are still on the commission’s wanted list and have not been exonerated. He emphasized that any reports suggesting their exoneration were false and should be disregarded.
“The charges against Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (Rtd.) and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka remain active, and they are still wanted by the ICPC for their alleged involvement in a N3 billion fraud,” the statement read.
The ICPC explained that while the charges in court had been amended, this does not mean the allegations have been withdrawn or dismissed. The commission reminded the public that arrest warrants for both men are still in effect.
“It’s important to note that amended charges are a standard legal procedure and do not signify an exoneration. These charges remain in place and will be updated if the fugitives are arrested,” the statement continued.
The two ex-military officers, along with four others, were initially charged on April 17, 2023, for embezzling public funds, abuse of office, and conspiracy. Despite efforts to serve them court documents through their lawyers, both Usman and Bauka failed to appear in court. As a result, the Federal High Court issued bench warrants for their arrest.
In a breakthrough, the ICPC arrested one of the co-defendants, Adam Imam Yusuf, on February 4, 2025, but the two retired officers remain fugitives. The commission reiterated its ongoing efforts to apprehend them and bring them to justice.
