Nigerian Police Arrest FCDA Official for Criminal Conspiracy, Impersonation of CIPMN President

Emmanuel Daudu

The Nigerian Police Force has arrested Mr. Jamilu Isa Yankwashi, a senior official of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), on charges of criminal conspiracy and impersonation of the President of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), Chief Emmanuel Olabode.

Mr. Yankwashi was apprehended on the morning of Monday, May 26, 2025, by police operatives from the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) at the FCDA Secretariat’s 3rd-floor conference hall, Area 11, Abuja, where he was allegedly preparing to conduct an unauthorized five-day training and induction for CIPMN members.

A warrant of arrest issued by the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Karu, Abuja, with reference number CR/392/25, authorized law enforcement officers to detain Mr. Yankwashi on charges of criminal conspiracy and impersonation. The warrant was signed on May 23, 2025.

Confirming the arrest, Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, Registrar General of CIPMN, stated:
“Mr. Yankwashi was arrested by the police at a venue where he was attempting to falsely represent the Institute in a training program. For years, he has impersonated the CIPMN President, fraudulently collecting public funds and issuing illegitimate licenses under the Institute’s name.”

According to CIPMN, Mr. Yankwashi and Mrs. Victoria Okoronkwo, a former council chair, have continued to present themselves as officials of the Institute despite the dissolution of their council by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Institute also alleges that Mr. Yankwashi made misleading representations to federal bodies, including the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Minister of Defence, and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement.

It was further revealed that Mr. Yankwashi operated a Zenith Bank account under the Institute’s name, but outside the control of the legitimate council, through which he allegedly diverted public funds.

“His actions have undermined the authority of a federal institution established by an Act of the National Assembly. His arrest is a stern warning to those who believe they can misuse public office and institutional identity without consequence,” Mbadiwe added.

CIPMN has urged the Nigerian Police Force to ensure a thorough and conclusive investigation and prosecution, to serve as a deterrent against future impersonations and institutional fraud.