Why ICPC Arrested Former NIMASA DG, Bashir Jamoh

According to Ireporter Online, operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have detained a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh, over allegations linked to abuse of office.

Jamoh, who served as head of the maritime agency from 2020 to 2023, was reported to be in the custody of the anti-graft commission as of Tuesday night, following his arrest by ICPC operatives.

Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that the former NIMASA chief was taken into custody after allegedly failing to honour multiple invitations extended to him by the commission. The invitations were said to be connected to petitions submitted against him over actions taken during his tenure.

It was further gathered that one of the petitions accused Jamoh of granting himself undue advantage through questionable procurement processes while in office, an allegation now under investigation by the commission.

A source close to the matter stated that the ICPC acted after repeated efforts to secure Jamoh’s appearance reportedly proved unsuccessful, adding that the investigation centres on alleged abuse of office during his leadership of NIMASA.

Confirming the development, ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, acknowledged Jamoh’s arrest but declined to provide details regarding the specific allegations, noting that official information would be made available in due course.

NIMASA is the federal agency responsible for regulating and promoting maritime activities in Nigeria, including ensuring maritime safety and security, enforcing maritime laws, protecting the marine environment, and driving maritime sector development.

It would be recalled that in 2021, Jamoh formally requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate allegations of large-scale financial misconduct levelled against him. The request followed claims by a social media activist who accused him of diverting substantial public funds into personal accounts.

Jamoh had, at the time, called for a thorough investigation to clear his name and address the allegations. However, there has been no public conclusion from the EFCC regarding the outcome of the probe.