A former chief of naval staff, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (rtd), and three others had been exonerated of embezzlement and abuse of office charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A media assistant to Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (rtd), Christopher Sunday, made this known in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
The case, brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was initiated following a whistleblower’s petition dated 11 December 2020. However, the prosecution could not establish a clear link between the former naval chief and the alleged transactions.
The statement confirmed the development yesterday, revealing that the ICPC had amended the charges, leaving only one defendant, Adamu Imam, to face trial.
During Monday’s hearing, Adamu was arraigned on a three-count charge to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecution stressed the seriousness of the allegations, while the defence counsel applied for bail.
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 verification of the surety’s property by the court registrar. Until these conditions are met, Adamu will remain in a correctional facility.
The statement indicated that this ruling effectively clears Vice Admiral Jibrin and his co-accused—Brigadier General Ishaya Gamgum Bauka (rtd.) and two others—of all allegations, reinforcing that the claims against them lacked merit. The exoneration marks a significant legal victory for the former naval chief, restoring his reputation.
The case initially gained public attention in May 2024 when Justice Ekwo issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Jibrin, Bauka, and Adamu over money laundering allegations. The ICPC had accused Jibrin of using associates to amass illicit wealth, including properties and vehicles.
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