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Anti-graft agency detains former NIMASA DG over alleged abuse of office
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Arrest followed failure to honour multiple invitations, ICPC sources say
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Probe linked to procurement practices during Jamoh’s tenure
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh, over allegations bordering on abuse of office.
Jamoh, who headed the maritime agency between 2020 and 2023, was taken into custody after repeatedly failing to respond to invitations extended to him by the commission following petitions submitted against his administration.
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Sources familiar with the investigation said the petitions accused the former NIMASA boss of awarding contracts and procurement benefits to himself in violation of public service rules.
A source within the commission disclosed that Jamoh’s arrest became necessary after several attempts to engage him voluntarily proved unsuccessful.
“He was arrested after ignoring multiple invitations. The investigation focuses on alleged abuse of office and questionable procurement activities while he was in charge of NIMASA,” the source said.
Confirming the development, ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, acknowledged Jamoh’s arrest but declined to provide further details, stating that the commission would issue an official briefing once preliminary investigations were concluded.
NIMASA is the federal agency charged with regulating Nigeria’s maritime sector, including maritime safety, shipping development, environmental protection and enforcement of maritime laws.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of earlier allegations made against Jamoh in 2021, when he wrote to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requesting a probe into claims that he was involved in a N1.5 trillion fraud.
Those allegations, made by a social media activist, claimed that large sums of money were diverted into personal and related accounts—claims Jamoh strongly denied, insisting on a full investigation to clear his name.