The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned Adam Yusuf, a Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), over alleged N1.1 billion money laundering offences.
Yusuf was arraigned alongside a company, Ummays Hummayd Energy Ltd, allegedly operated by him, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a three-count amended charge.
In count one, Yusuf was accused of taking possession of N410 million deposited into his Zenith Bank account (2219799630) by Gate Coast Properties International Limited in January 2020.
Count two alleged that Yusuf took possession of N150 million deposited into the same account by Lahab Integrated & Multi-Services Limited around the same period.
Count three accused Yusuf and Ummays Hummayd Energy Ltd of taking possession of N540 million deposited by Lahab Integrated & Multi-Services into the company’s Zenith Bank account (1016516200).
The funds were said to be proceeds of unlawful activities, contravening Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. ICPC’s lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, informed the court of an amended charge dated February 10 and filed February 11. The defense, led by Abdul Mohammed, SAN, did not oppose the amendment, and Justice Ekwo granted the application.
Mohammed also drew the court’s attention to a bail application filed on February 13, seeking the court’s discretion to admit Yusuf to bail. Although Akponimisingha initially opposed the bail, citing Yusuf’s alleged refusal to stand trial, he later withdrew his objection.
Justice Ekwo granted Yusuf bail in the sum of N30 million, requiring him to produce one surety who owns a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction, valued at not less than the bail sum. The property is to be verified by the court registrar. Yusuf was also ordered to deposit his international passport and refrain from traveling outside the jurisdiction without the court’s permission.
The ICPC disclosed plans to call seven witnesses, all within the court’s jurisdiction. Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to May 6, 7, and 8 for trial.
The ICPC had earlier announced Yusuf’s arrest on February 7 in connection with allegations of diverting N3 billion in public funds. The commission alleged that Yusuf, alongside former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman Oyibe and retired Brigadier-General Ishaya Gamgum Bauka, orchestrated the diversion using 92 fictitious companies.
The agency further claimed that the defendants acquired 18 properties, including filling stations, through these companies. Yusuf, who was initially at large, was arrested at his Abuja residence and taken into custody. Other suspects in the case remain at large.
