Badeh Defends Himself amidst Financial Crimes Allegations

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Badeh Defends Himself amidst Financial Crimes Allegations

By Correspondent

Informed Nigerians were not caught unawares, when news filtered through the air, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), found $1million cash in a mansion, owned by the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (rtd.). The reason why they seemed not to be surprised is that many top government functionaries who served under the immediate past administration are currently answering questions in the criminal charge made against them by the anti-graft agency. The said cash is believed by the EFCC to be part of the diverted arms procurement funds. However, the former military chief is facing a 10 counts charge that touches on the diversion of N3.97billion owned by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). The EFCC insisted that the said sum was allegedly found tucked in Badeh’s room. In the words of the anti-graft agency, “Apart from NAF funds, investigation confirmed that Badeh diverted funds meant for procurement of arms to Bureau De Change. We have interacted with some Bureau De Change operators. “When we searched his mansion at 6, Ogun River Street in Maitama District in Abuja, $1million raw cash was found in one of the rooms. “Our operatives made sure that the search of the house was conducted in the presence of Badeh’s neighbours who can attest to the discovery. We ensured that these neighbours witnessed our operation.“Badeh has a case to answer on diversion of funds voted for arms procurement. I cannot tell you whether or not he will face separate charges on the $1million.” Meanwhile, the embattled retired military brass, maintained that he has nothing to do with “Dasukigate”, a scandal which centres on the embezzlement of at least $2.1billion budgeted for arms. Badeh, in a statement he signed, argued that, “It has been widely reported in the news that I am being investigated over the $2.1 billion arms deals but that is not true.  I was not part of Dasukigate. “The claim that five properties were acquired for me from the $2.1billion funds is also false. I was Chief of Air staff from Oct. 2012 to January 2014 and then appointed CDS. “During my time serving as the CDS, funds for weapons were directly released to the Chief of Air staff, army staff and naval staff and not to me. I had no control over the funds and yet I am being accused of embezzling weapons funds. “The office of the CDS had no operational control of the services and had nothing to do with their spending

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