A Federal High Court in Abuja has exonerated former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (rtd.), and three others of embezzlement and abuse of office charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). In a statement released yesterday in Abuja, Christopher Sunday, media assistant to Vice Admiral Usman, confirmed the court’s ruling, which followed the ICPC’s inability to establish a direct link between the former naval chief and the alleged transactions.
ICPC Amends Charges, Drops Case Against Jibrin and Others
The case, which stemmed from a whistleblower’s petition dated December 11, 2020, initially implicated Jibrin Usman, Brigadier General Ishaya Gamgum Bauka (rtd.), and two others in allegations of money laundering and illicit asset accumulation. However, at Monday’s hearing, the ICPC amended the charges, leaving only one defendant, Adamu Imam, to face trial.
Bail Conditions for Remaining Defendant
During his arraignment on a three-count charge, Adamu Imam pleaded not guilty. Justice Inyang Ekwo granted bail under strict conditions, including a ₦30 million bond, a surety with a property of equal value within the court’s jurisdiction, travel restrictions, and court verification of the surety’s assets. Until these conditions are met, Imam will remain in a correctional facility.
Legal Victory for Jibrin Usman
The ruling effectively clears Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman, Brigadier General Bauka, and their co-accused, reinforcing that the claims against them lacked merit. This marks a significant legal victory for Usman, restoring his reputation after the case initially gained public attention in May 2024, when Justice Ekwo issued a bench warrant for their arrest over alleged money laundering.
