The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken into custody a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, sparking concerns from his family over the circumstances surrounding his arrest and continued detention.
A family representative, Kazeem Olajide, confirmed that Jamoh was apprehended by operatives of the anti-graft agency on January 29 while he was returning from a court appearance to his residence in Kaduna.
Olajide said the former maritime agency chief was intercepted by armed men who identified themselves as ICPC officials and were wearing jackets bearing the commission’s insignia.
According to him, Jamoh was allegedly forced into their custody, taken to his residence where a search was conducted, and subsequently transported to Abuja.
“In the afternoon of January 29, at about 12 noon, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, a law-abiding citizen, was intercepted by men wearing ICPC jackets while returning from court to his residence,” Olajide said.
“He was forcibly taken to his home, which was subsequently raided, before he was moved from Kaduna to Abuja.”
The family claims that since his arrest, they have been unable to establish contact with Jamoh or confirm his exact location.
Olajide alleged that the former NIMASA boss has also been denied access to his lawyers, a situation the family describes as deeply distressing.
“Since his arrest, all efforts to contact or locate Dr. Jamoh have proven unsuccessful. He has been denied access to his family and legal counsel, leaving his loved ones in deep anguish and uncertainty,” he said.
The family further expressed fears about Jamoh’s safety and well-being, arguing that holding him incommunicado amounts to a violation of his fundamental human rights.
They called on the ICPC to disclose Jamoh’s whereabouts, allow him access to his lawyers, and ensure that due process is followed in whatever investigation he may be facing.
Olajide also appealed to members of the public to keep the former NIMASA chief in their prayers, while expressing hope that he would be safe and reunited with his family.
As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had not issued an official statement on Jamoh’s arrest or the allegations raised by his family.
