Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Biography, Age, Education, Career and Controversy can be accessed below.
NewsOnline Nigeria earlier reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas (retd.) to oversee the administration of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency.
This Nigeria news platform understands that President Tinubu disclosed this on Tuesday in a nationwide broadcast addressing the crisis in Rivers State.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Biography
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Nigeria, is a distinguished Nigerian naval officer and diplomat.
ALSO: President Tinubu Appoints Administrator To Oversee Rivers State Affairs
He served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2021.
In recognition of his outstanding service, he was appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana in 2021.
On the 18th of March 2025, he was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become the administrator of Rivers State.
Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas: Educational Background and Naval Training
Ibas began his early education at Nko Primary School before completing it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971. He proceeded to Hope Waddell Training Institute (1972-1976) and later attended the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja (1977-1979).
His naval journey commenced at the Nigerian Defence Academy on June 20, 1979, as part of the 26th Regular Course, leading to his commission as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
His commitment to professional development saw him undergo extensive military training.
Distinguished Naval Career of Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas held numerous key positions in the Nigerian Navy. As a midshipman, he served aboard NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu.
After commissioning as a sub-lieutenant, he was a watchkeeping officer on NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe. Between 1993 and 1996, he became the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun, and NNS Ambe.
He later commanded the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School (1997–1998) and Forward Operating Base Ibaka (1998–2000). Excelling in the Senior Staff Course, he was appointed as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2000–2002) and later served as Director, Maritime Warfare (2009–2010) and Deputy Commandant (2014).
Ibas was the naval provost marshal (2003–2004) and principal staff officer to the Chief of Naval Staff (2004–2005). He served as command operations officer, Western Naval Command (2006) and commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo (2006–2009). He later became chief staff officer, Naval Training Command (2010–2011), chief of administration, Naval Headquarters (2011–2012), and Navy Secretary (2012–2013).
He commanded the Western Naval Command (2013–2014) before being appointed chief of logistics (2014) and GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings (2014). On 13 July 2015, he became the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff.
Diplomatic Role and National Service
Upon retirement from active naval service, Ibas transitioned into diplomacy, serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana from 2021. His appointment underscored his vast experience in security, strategic relations, and international diplomacy.
Personal Life and Interests
Vice Admiral Ibas is married to Barrister Theresa Ibas, and they are blessed with children. Beyond his professional engagements, he enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and playing golf.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Controversies
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, has been implicated in a controversy involving allegations of misconduct and victimization within the Nigerian Navy. The central figure in these allegations is Captain Emmanuel Ekpe Owen, a retired naval officer who claims to have faced prolonged victimization after exposing fraudulent activities attributed to Ibas.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct and Retaliation
The controversy dates back to 1996 during a mission in Liberia under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). Captain Owen, serving as the Supply Officer on the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) AMBE, reportedly discovered that Ibas, then a Lieutenant Commander and second-in-command, had inflated the ship’s personnel list from 45 to 85 to misappropriate allowances. Upon confronting Ibas about this discrepancy, Owen alleges he was detained in a toilet for six days and subsequently faced various forms of victimization, including stalled promotions and unjust postings.
Petitions and Forced Retirement
In an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari dated July 22, 2022, Captain Owen detailed his experiences of alleged victimization spanning over two decades. He claimed that after reporting the fraud in 1996, he faced continuous retaliation, culminating in his compulsory retirement in July 2022. Owen asserted that despite meeting all criteria for promotion, he was repeatedly overlooked on frivolous grounds. He also highlighted instances where he was relieved of his duties without justification and placed on pre-retirement courses prematurely.
Legal Proceedings and Court-Martial
Further escalating the situation, Captain Owen was reportedly summoned to appear before a court-martial in Lagos for allegedly petitioning the president and accusing Ibas of misconduct. His legal representatives argued that the Chief of Naval Staff lacked the authority to convene such a court-martial and that the proceedings were an attempt to silence Owen.
Current Status
As of now, there is no public record of a formal response from Vice Admiral Ibas regarding these allegations. The Nigerian Navy has stated that the matter is being handled administratively, but specific details about any investigations or outcomes have not been disclosed.
This controversy underscores ongoing concerns about internal accountability and transparency within the Nigerian military hierarchy.
