The family of former Managing Director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has raised serious concerns over what it described as the manner of his arrest and continued incommunicado detention, following reports that anti-graft agencies are investigating him over alleged financial improprieties amounting to nearly ₦1 trillion.
While officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other agencies are said to be reviewing transactions linked to Jamoh’s tenure at NIMASA, no formal charge has been filed, and no court has established wrongdoing.
In a statement released yesterday, the family said Jamoh was intercepted on January 29, 2026, by armed operatives wearing ICPC jackets while returning from court in Kaduna. They alleged that he was forcibly taken to his residence, which was searched, before being transported to Abuja.
According to the family, Jamoh has since been denied access to his lawyers and relatives, leaving them unable to confirm his condition or exact whereabouts for several days—a situation they described as a violation of his fundamental rights under the Constitution.
The allegations circulating in the public space—largely based on unnamed sources—include claims of money laundering, contract irregularities, and financial mismanagement during Jamoh’s time at NIMASA. These claims, the family stressed, remain allegations, noting that similar investigations were previously opened and later closed without prosecution.
They also cautioned against “trial by media”, warning that speculative figures and unverified claims risk prejudicing public opinion before due process is followed.
Supporters of the former NIMASA boss insist that major policy decisions and expenditures during his tenure were institutional actions approved through established government channels, not personal decisions, and argue that Jamoh should be allowed to defend himself in open court if any charges are brought.
The family called on relevant authorities to either formally charge or release him, in line with the law, and to ensure full respect for his constitutional rights. They further appealed to the public to keep Dr. Jamoh in their prayers, expressing hope for his safety and a swift, transparent resolution of the matter.
As of press time, the EFCC and ICPC had yet to issue official statements clarifying the allegations or responding to claims surrounding Jamoh’s arrest and detention.
