Former NIMASA DG Bashir Jamoh detained by ICPC over alleged abuse of Office

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have detained Bashir Jamoh, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Credible sources said Jamoh, who led the agency from 2020 to 2023, was still in ICPC custody as of Tuesday evening. His arrest reportedly followed his failure to honour multiple invitations from the commission regarding petitions filed against him.

According to a source, Jamoh is being investigated for allegedly conferring undue advantage on himself through fraudulent procurement practices, which is described as an abuse of office.

“The ICPC picked him up after he failed to honour several invitations extended to him. He is being investigated for abuse of office during his tenure at NIMASA,” the source said.

When contacted, the ICPC spokesman, John Odey, confirmed the arrest but declined to provide details on the allegations, stating, “I will get back as soon as I have information on the reason for his arrest.”

About NIMASA

NIMASA is a federal agency tasked with regulating and promoting maritime activities in Nigeria, ensuring the safety and security of ships and vessels, fostering maritime development, protecting the marine environment, and enforcing maritime laws and regulations.

Previous Allegations

In 2021, Jamoh himself requested an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over claims of a ₦1.5 trillion fraud levelled against him. He was accused by Jackson Ude of diverting the funds, including another $9.5 million, into accounts linked to him.

At the time, Jamoh asked EFCC to carry out a “thorough and painstaking investigation” to clear his name. However, reports indicate that the EFCC has not fully acted on the matter.

The ICPC’s current probe marks a significant development in ongoing scrutiny of former NIMASA leadership and their management of the agency’s resources.