ICPC Arrests Former NIMASA Director-General Bashir Jamoh

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has detained Bashir Jamoh, who previously served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Sources confirmed that Jamoh, who led NIMASA between 2020 and 2023, remained in the commission's custody.

According to information obtained, the former NIMASA chief was apprehended after he allegedly did not honour several invitations extended to him by the ICPC, stemming from petitions lodged against him.

One of the sources indicated that a petition accused Jamoh of self-dealing through questionable procurement procedures, an act characterized as an abuse of his official position.

"The ICPC apprehended him because he failed to attend several invitations extended to him. He is currently under investigation for alleged abuse of office during his tenure at NIMASA," the source stated.

When contacted for comment, the ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, confirmed Jamoh's arrest but refrained from providing specific details regarding the allegations.

"I will provide further information as soon as it becomes available regarding the reason for his arrest," Odey told Daily Trust.

NIMASA is a federal agency tasked with the oversight and advancement of maritime operations within Nigeria. Its responsibilities include ensuring maritime safety and security, fostering the growth of the maritime sector, safeguarding the marine environment, and enforcing maritime legislation.

It is noteworthy that in 2021, Jamoh himself had requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate allegations of N1.5 trillion fraud against him. This request followed accusations by a blogger, Jackson Ude, who alleged that Jamoh had diverted N1.5 trillion and an additional $9.5 million into personal accounts.

Jamoh formally communicated his request to the EFCC via a letter, urging a "thorough and painstaking" investigation to clarify the public record. However, reports suggest the EFCC has not yet taken significant action on the matter.