The Federal High Court in Abuja has officially removed the names of a formal Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman, CFR (rtd), General Bauka (rtd), and two others from an amended charge, reaffirming their innocence in an ongoing case involving allegations of embezzlement and abuse of office.
The court’s decision followed a motion for amendment successfully moved by the prosecution, which led to the removal of Admiral Jibrin Usman and his co-defendants from the charge while proceedings continued against Adamu Imam.
During the court session, Adamu Imam was arraigned on a three-count charge to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecution outlined the seriousness of the allegations, prompting the defense counsel to apply for bail. The court granted bail under strict conditions, including a bail sum of ₦30 million, surety with a landed property valued at no less than the bail amount within the court’s jurisdiction, restriction on the defendant’s travel without the court’s prior approval, verification of the surety’s property value by the court registrar, accompanied by an affidavit of verification, and detention of Adamu Imam in a correctional facility until all bail conditions are met.
The presiding judge, Justice Abubakar Sadiq Hadi subsequently adjourned the trial to May 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2025.
This ruling effectively dispels previous claims linking Admiral Jibrin Usman to the case, reinforcing that the allegations against him were unfounded. The court’s decision stresses the importance of protecting the reputations of distinguished individuals from unwarranted character attacks.
With this legal resolution, Admiral Jibrin Usman has been fully exonerated, further cementing his standing as a respected elder statesman. The trial proceedings will continue, with further updates to be provided as they unfold.