Ex-NIMASA DG Bashir Jamoh spends night in ICPC custody amid abuse-of-office probe

Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, spent the night in detention following his arrest by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Jamoh, who led NIMASA from 2020 to 2023, was reportedly arrested on Tuesday morning in Kaduna before being driven to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja. Sources said the arrest followed Jamoh’s alleged failure to honour multiple invitations from the commission in connection with complaints submitted against him.

A source familiar with the development told reporters that Jamoh is being investigated for abuse of office and alleged fraudulent procurement practices during his tenure at NIMASA. “The ICPC picked him up after he failed to honour several invitations. He is being investigated for abuse of office while serving as DG of NIMASA,” the source said.

The ICPC has yet to release an official statement detailing the allegations. Its spokesman, John Odey, confirmed Jamoh’s arrest but declined to provide further information, promising to share details when available.

Jamoh’s arrest comes amid previous controversies during his tenure. In 2021, he requested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigate a N1.5 trillion fraud allegation leveled against him by one Jackson Ude. Ude claimed that Jamoh had diverted N1.5 trillion into personal accounts and transferred an additional $9.5 million to another account under his name.

In response, Jamoh insisted on his innocence and requested a “thorough and painstaking” investigation by the EFCC to clarify the matter publicly. However, the probe by EFCC reportedly did not advance significantly.

NIMASA, the agency Jamoh formerly headed, is responsible for regulating and promoting maritime activities in Nigeria, including ensuring the safety and security of ships and vessels, enforcing maritime laws, protecting the marine environment, and fostering development in the maritime sector.

Jamoh’s detention in Abuja marks the latest chapter in a series of petitions and complaints submitted against him, including a mid-2025 push by a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) calling for accountability over alleged misconduct during his leadership.

As of Wednesday morning, Jamoh remained in ICPC custody, with the investigation ongoing.