ICPC Arrests Former NIMASA Director-General Bashir Jamoh in Kaduna

ICPC Arrests Former NIMASA Director-General Bashir Jamoh in Kaduna

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arrested a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Bashir Jamoh, in Kaduna State.

The arrest took place last Thursday and was confirmed by a representative of Jamoh’s family, Kazeem Olajide. According to the family, Jamoh was taken into custody while returning from court to his residence in Kaduna.

Olajide said the former NIMASA chief was intercepted along the way by armed men who identified themselves as operatives of the ICPC. He added that the officers were wearing jackets bearing the insignia of the anti-corruption agency.

The family representative explained that Jamoh was first taken to his home in Kaduna after he was stopped. He said the operatives conducted a search of the residence before proceeding with him to Abuja.

According to Olajide, Jamoh was subsequently transported from Kaduna to the nation’s capital by the ICPC operatives. He said the movement was carried out on the same day as the arrest.

The family further alleged that since Jamoh was taken into custody, they have been unable to establish any form of contact with him. Olajide claimed that Jamoh has not been allowed to speak with members of his family.

He also alleged that Jamoh has been denied access to his legal counsel since his arrest. The family described the situation as distressing and said they were concerned about his welfare.

Olajide stated that repeated attempts by relatives to find out Jamoh’s whereabouts and condition had not yielded any response. He said the lack of communication has left the family uncertain about the circumstances surrounding his detention.

The arrest has drawn attention due to Jamoh’s former position as head of NIMASA, a key federal agency responsible for maritime administration and safety in Nigeria. The agency plays a central role in regulating shipping activities and ensuring maritime security.

The ICPC is one of Nigeria’s main anti-corruption bodies, with a mandate to investigate and prosecute cases involving corrupt practices and related offences. The commission frequently carries out arrests and investigations involving public officials and former office holders.

As of the time the arrest was confirmed by the family, no official statement had been issued by the ICPC regarding the reasons for Jamoh’s detention. Details of any allegations or investigations linked to the arrest were not made public.

The family representative did not disclose whether Jamoh had been formally informed of any charges at the time of his arrest. Olajide said the family was relying on limited information available to them since they had not been granted access to him.

The circumstances of the arrest, including the reported involvement of armed operatives and the immediate transfer from Kaduna to Abuja, were highlighted by the family as part of their account. They maintained that Jamoh was cooperating at the time he was taken into custody.

No information was provided by the family on whether Jamoh had previously been invited by the ICPC before the arrest. The family said they were only aware that he had been returning from court when the interception occurred.

The development adds to ongoing public interest in the activities of anti-corruption agencies and their handling of high-profile cases involving former government officials. Observers often closely watch such cases for adherence to due process.

For now, the only confirmation of the arrest has come from Jamoh’s family, who continue to call for access to him and his lawyers. They said they were seeking clarity on his status and the basis for his continued detention.

The ICPC has not yet publicly responded to the family’s claims or provided further details on the matter. The situation remains unresolved as the family awaits official communication from the commission.