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Tag: Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh

  • Ex-CDS Alex Badeh laid to rest amid tears

    It was a hectic Wednesday at the Nigerian Air Force Base’s Protestant Church and the National Military Cemetary, Abuja, as top military Officers gathered to pay their last respect to the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin and the three Service Chiefs, as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and two serving governors, were among those who joined others to find comforting words for grieving family of late Badeh.

    Air Chief Marshal Badeh’s the immediate family members, friends and relations could not hold their tears at the church and Cemetery.

    Their moods were punctuated by the unfolding events in the programme schedules of the burial ceremony.

    Some members of the immediate family were seen holding onto one another, wiping tears streaming down their faces.

    The Air Chief Marshal was killed on December 18, 2018, by suspected gunmen while returning from his farm located along Abuja-Keffi expressway.

    The sad event sent a shocking way across the length of the country, especially regarding the status of the victim and the hypertensive security situation.

    The funeral service was conducted at the Nigerian Air Force Base’s Protestant Church.

    The atmosphere at the cemetery became more emotional as the body of the late ex-CDS was interned.

    Shortly after the body of the late CDS was conveyed into the church in a casket wrapped in national colours, solemn hymns were rendered to set the mood for the service, which commenced at about 10: 09 am.

    No sooner had the late CDS’ daughter taken the Scripture reading from Job 14:1 – 6 than tributes were delivered by the deceased family.

    Read Also: Photos: Badeh buried in military cemetery in Abuja

    In a brief tribute on behalf of the family, the late Badeh’s son expressed regret his father was consumed by the same “violence” he abhorred in his lifetime.

    In an emotion-laden voice, he said: ” Dad, you were never one to show your true feelings when things are tough.

    “You always had a smile on your face even in adversity, you stood up for what you believed was right and tried to be fair.

    “You were deeply principled and pragmatic. You might have been a big brash bulk of a man but you moved through the world gracefully.

    “You abhorred violence but in the end it found you. You are loved and will never be forgotten”.

    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said Badeh’s death must serve as a wake- up call to all and sundry to lend support to the fight against crime.

    Abubakar said the achievements Air Chief Marshal Badeh would remain a source of inspiration among military personnel

    “He is the 18 chief of Air staff and the 15th chief of Defence Staff. He was an astute airman who earned over 6000 flying hours during his flying career.

    “The death of this gentleman must steer the rest of us not only in the armed forces but indeed in Nigeria to rededicate ourselves in the service of our nation and people to deal decisively with crime and criminality.

    “I’m indeed deeply touched and saddened by the manner in which we lost such an accomplished general who attained the apex of his chosen career in the Nigerian Armed forces, the nation will remain grateful to you for service,” Abubakar said.

    Olonisakin noted that his immediate predecessor’s life was worth emulating.

    The ex-CDS was buried with full military honours amidst the traditional 21 gun salute and presentation of flags to his family.

    The laying of wreath was conducted at the Cemetary in the following order: Mr. Boss Mustapha (Secretary to the Government of the Federation); representative of the Minister of Defence, CDS, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (Chief of Army Staff); Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff); Mrs. Mary Badeh (deceased’s wife) as well as representative of Regular Course 21, Badeh’s course mates at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

    The Governors of Adamawa state, Mohammed Bindow and that of Plateau, Simon Lalong, as well as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and some former governors of Adamawa state were among dignitaries that graced the occasion.

  • FG moves for final forfeiture of Badeh’s 6 houses, $1m

    The Federal Government has taken steps to ensure final forfeiture of six houses, including a mall all located in Abuja and $1million allegedly recovered from the late ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

    Acting on behalf of the government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has applied at a Federal High Court in Abuja for an order of final forfeiture of the assets.

    In an application filed by EFCC’s Chike Okoroma late last year, a copy of which The Nation sighted on Wednesday, the identified the assets to include five duplexes, a mall and cash of $1million (allegedly recovered from one of Badeh’s houses).

    They are described in court documents as *a duplex at 6 Ogun River Street, Off Danube Street, Off IBB Way, Maitama, Abuja.

    *a duplex at 19 Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.

    *a duplex at 14 Adzope Crescent, Off Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja

    *a duplex at 8A Embu Street by Stigma Apartments, Wuse II, Abuja.

    *a duplex at Dou-Girei, Yola North Local Government Area, Adamawa State.

    *a mall at plot 1386 Oda Crescent, off Aminu Kanu Crescent (Cadastral Zone AO7) Wuse II, Abuja.

    On Wednesday, when Okoroma mentioned the application, Justice Okon Abang granted the applicant leave to publish the application and fixed February 25 for the hearing.

    Read Also: Badeh’s wife, children removed from watch-list

    Earlier, Justice Abang adjourned to February 26 for fro a decision on how best to proceed in the criminal trial involving Badeh.

    Badeh and a firm, Iyalikam Nigeria Limited were being tried on charges of money laundering to the tune of N3.9billion, being he was reportedly killed on December 18 last year.

    The prosecuting agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had, on October 23, 2018, closed its case after calling 21 witnesses, following which the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang adjourned to January 16, 2019 for the 1st defendant (Badeh) to open his defence.

    At the commencement of proceedings on Wednesday, Badeh’s lawyer, Akin Olujinmi (SAN) informed the court about his client’s demise.

    Olujinmi, who described the development as shocking, said Badeh’s sudden death has deprived him of the opportunity to let the world know that he did not commit the offence with which he was charged.

    He said noted that when a defendant to a criminal charge dies,, the litigation against him must end.

    Olujinmi said his deceased client would have been able to disprove the allegations against him.

    He sought an adjournment to after his deceased client’s burial. He told the court that parties would meet to agree on how best to proceed with the case.

    Samuel Zibiri (SAN), who appeared for the 2nd defendant (Iyalikam) agreed with Olujinmi.

    Lawyer for the prosecution, Oluwaleke Atolagbe , though expressed his condolence over the 1st defendant’s death, argued that it was essential for the defence to furnish it with a death certificate.

    Atolagbe, who did not object to the defence’s application for adjournment, confirmed that moves had been made towards setting up a meeting between both parties to decide in which direction the case will go.

    He argued that it was not ideal to adjourned until after Badeh’s burial when Olujinmi did not disclose when the burial was likely to take place.

    Ruling, Justice Abang agreed with Olujinmi that in such a matter of public knowledge, which the court itself, as a member of a community, is aware of, there is not need to require the production of a death certificate for the court to believe that the 1st defendant was actually dead.

    The judge said: “In the instant case, it is not necessary for the counsel to the first defendant to tender a death certificate, because the death of the first defendant is public knowledge and the court is aware. -t is not in dispute that the first defendant is dead.”

    Justice Abang, who prayed that the deceased’s soul rest in peace, noted that while his trial lasted, Badeh conducted himself diligently, was humble and respectful to the court.

    The judge said while Badeh was always punctual in court, he never attempted to frustrate proceedings in his trial by filing frivolous applications.

    He said: “He was humble and peaceful. He would always stand, waiting in the dock until the court would order him to sit. He attended proceedings at all times and always present in time.

    “He never asked for frivolous applications or wasted the court’s time, complying at all times with the court’s rules. May his soul rest in peace,” the judge said.

  • Badeh: Two suspects held

    Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    The suspects are the man who reportedly hired the assailants and the one who is said to have pulled the trigger.

    It was also gathered that Badeh was killed on Keffi-Abuja road following the information that he had some cash on him to pay for additional farmland. He was on his way from his farm.

    The farmland was said to be next to the one he had already cultivated.

    The police may parade suspects today to give Nigerians some insights into how Badeh was killed.

    The parade will also allow the media to interact with the suspects.

    An interim  report has been submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari who ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, to fish out Badeh’s killers.

    Badeh( 61) was shot dead on December 18  near Gitata, a village on the Keffi-Bade-Abuja road.

    Badeh was killed, his driver wounded and his friend abducted by the assailants.

    The friend of the ex-CDS was released on Monday after the family had paid ransom said to be in millions of naira.

    According to sources, the breakthrough was recorded by the IGP Rapid Response Team (IRT) in conjunction with the military and other security agencies.

    A source privy to the matter said: “After about a week of investigation, the Police, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies have arrested the man who contracted out the killing of Badeh.

    “And following intelligence, the detectives traced and arrested the suspect who actually shot at Badeh at close range to kill him.

    “The killing had to do with alleged transactions on additional farmland which was to be sold to the ex-CDS.

    “The suspect who hired the assailants was not part of the deal. But he got to know of the transactions the day and time that Badeh was coming to pay for the farmland.

    “Unfortunately, the deal was not yet concluded on the appointed day, but the ‘murder contractor’ suspected that Badeh was with the cash on December 18 and engaged some assassins to waylay and kill him in order to haul the cash.”

    The Police, the military and other security agencies are still on the trail of other accomplices, the source said, adding:

    “Some detectives were still on surveillance along Abuja-Keffi road in order to find lasting solutions to rampant cases of robbery, kidnapping and killings along this axis.”

  • $2.1b arms deals: Ministers, perm secs, others indicted

    $2.1b arms deals: Ministers, perm secs, others indicted

    Two ministers, three ex-ministers, six permanent secretaries and more military officers have been indicted in the $2.1billion arms deals scandal.

    The indictment is in the fourth report of the Special Investigative Panel on Arms Procurement in the Armed Forces.

    But one year after the submission of the report, the government is yet to take any action on it.

    Some members of the panel are worried that some Presidency officials do not want the report released to the public.

    Other members are feeling bad that the officials may have been interested in only the initial reports which indicted a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, two ex-Chiefs of Air Staff and a former Chief of Naval Staff.

    They wonder why others implicated in the arms deals probe are yet to be named or handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    A source said: “Going by the records of the panel, October 23 marked exactly one year that the fourth report of the committee was submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Read Also: Maina has case to answer with ex-HoS Oronsaye, two others – EFCC

    “From the report of the committee, those who have cases to answer are two serving ministers, three-ex-Ministers, six permanent secretaries and more serving military officers.

    “There is disquiet in the panel that up till now, no action has been taken on the report because some forces in the Presidency are unhappy with some of the recommendations therein.”

    Members were expecting a swift response on the report as t was the case during the first and second batches of reports on Dasuki, Badeh, two ex-Chiefs of Air Staff,  and a former Chief of Naval Staff.

    “And as part of the larger script to frustrate the report,  what came eventually was the suspension of the activities of the panel,” the source said, pleading not to be named.

    “In fact, a member of the panel, Rear Admiral T.D. Ikoli,  died controversially while awaiting action on this same report. There were also botched attempts to use some committees of the National Assembly to review the findings of the panel. But the moves were resisted by the panel.

    “Members of the panel are appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to release the findings in the Fourth Report and bring those concerned to justice,” the source said.

    Asked to be specific on the list of those indicted in the Fourth Report, the top source added: “The names are in the report; it is left to the government to unveil them.

    “Do not forget, all members of the committee have copies of the report. At the appropriate time, history will judge.

    “We are in an era in which there is no hiding place for anybody. We are not a bunch of fools. That era is gone.”

    Members of the panel are said to be feeling guilty, “as if they were used to only target some military officers, politicians,  businessmen and companies”. “These indicted military officers were their course mates, close associates and military colleagues. What they are demanding” is equality and justice for all, another source said.

    Members of the investigative committee are: AVM J.O.N. Ode (retd.) –Chairman; R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (retd.); R/Adm E. Ogbor (retd.); Brig-Gen L. Adekagun (retd.); Brig-Gen. M. Aminu-Kano (retd.) ; and Brig-Gen. N. Rimtip (retd.).

    Others are Rear Admiral T.D. Ikoli ; Air Cdre U. Mohammed (retd.); Air Cdre I. Shafi’I;  Col A.A. Ariyibi; Gp Capt C.A. Oriaku (retd.); Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC); and Brig-Gen. Y.I. Shalangwa – Secretary.

    Some of the areas of investigation are:

    • how 10 contracts totaling $930,500,690.00 were awarded;
    • payment of  N4,402,687,569.41 for unexecuted contracts;
    • Procurement of two used Mi-24V Helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at $136,944,000.00;
    • Purchase of four used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at US$7,180,000.00 funded by ONSA;
    • cannibalisation of engines from NAF fleet to justify procurement of jets;
    • excessive pricing of 36D6 Low Level Air Defence Radar at $33m instead of $6m per one;
    • delivery of radars without  vital component of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) that distinguishes between own and adversary aircraft; and
    • strange transfer of $2m to Mono Marine Corporation Nigeria Limited owned by some Air Force officers.

    The others are:

    • N15bn lavished on the maintenance of its Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters.
    • N2.5billion contracts awarded to Syrius Technologies( Ukrainian company) not registered in Nigeria
    • award of 7 contracts at N599,118,000.00 to Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria(DICON). Two were delivered.
  • Badeh bought N320m Abuja house for 28-year old son – witness

    Badeh bought N320m Abuja house for 28-year old son – witness

    A Federal High Court in Abuja heard Wednesday how former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh allegedly deployed public funds to acquire N320million house in Abuja for his 28-year old last son, Kam.

    A retired Air Commodore,  Aliyu Yishau, who said he served as former Director of Finance and Account of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) while Badeh was the Chief of Air Staff (between September 2012 and December 2013),  made this disclosure at the resumption of proceedings in the trial of Badeh and a firm,  Iyalikam Nigeria Limited.

    Badeh and the firm were arraigned on March 7 this year on a 10-count charge of breach of trust and corruption for allegedly diverting about N3.97bn from NAF’s account.

    Yishau, the first prosecution witness, who was cross-examined by Badeh’s lawyer, Akin Olujinmi (SAN), said the N320m house was the second of such property acquired in Wuse 2, Abuja by the former Chief of Defence Staff for his children.

    He said the first located at No: 19 Kumasi Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja was bought for Badeh’s first son, Alex Badeh (Jnr) at N260m, with N60m spent to renovate it, while N90m was expended in furnishing the property.

    Yishau said the second house, which was bought at N320m for Badeh’s last son is located adjacent to the one bought for Badeh’s first son.

    When asked how he came about the information, the witness said he paid for the houses from the N558.2m taken monthly by Badeh from NAF’s funds.

    He said once he converted the N558.2m to United States dollars and takes it to Badeh in his house, the ex-Chief of Defence Staff will direct him to make payment from it.

    The witness said whenever Badeh directed him to make payments, he always takes the cash from Badeh’s house to his (witness’) house, from where he hands the cash to one Engineer Husseini Salau.

    “I collected the money from the 1st defendant’s (Badeh’s) resident. I take it to my house and ask them to come and collect it. I took the money to his house and he asked me to remove the equivalent of N260m to pay for the house. I deducted the N260m equivalent from the normal monthly N558.2m I take to him.

    “He (the 1st defendant always authorises the deduction for payment whenever I take the monthly money to him. I did not give the house renovation job to Engr Salau. I paid N60m for the renovation of the house based on the instruction of my boss, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh,” the witness said.

    He said he could not recall how many times he paid the money for the renovation. But admitted that the money was not paid at once.

    The witness said he was not aware that Alex Badeh jr was just a tenant in the property at No: 19 Kumasi Crescent and that he did not see the tenancy agreement between Engr. Salau and Alex Badeh jr.

    He admitted earlier telling the court, in his evidence-in-chief, that Engr. Salau and Alex Badeh jr located the house at No 19 Kumasie Crescent, Wuse 2.

    He said it will not be correct to say Engr. Salau marketed the house to him.

    He confirmed that he paid N90m for furniture for the house.

    On how he  made payment for the furniture at No:19 Kumasi Crescent, the witness said “When I received instruction from my boss, I directed my office at the Nigerian Air Force headquarters to liaise with Alex Badeh jr and effect the payment of the N90m.”

    On whether it was right for him to have made the payments, Yishau said he was acting on instructions from his boss.

    “In my statement to the EFCC, I said the 1st defendant has two properties in Wuse 2 that cost N260m and N320m. The house that cost N320m is the house adjacent to No 19 Kumasi Crescent, which was purchased from Honourable Bature.

    “That was the one purchased for the last son of the 1st defendant, by name Kam. I cannot remember the address, but can identify it,” the witness said.

    On whether he is a certified accountant, the witness said he worked as an Accountant for the Air Force for 25 years, but that he is not a certified Accountant.

    Further hearing in the case has been adjourned to May 9 at 11 am.

     

  • EFCC traces huge cash to military chiefs’ wives, kids

    EFCC traces huge cash to military chiefs’ wives, kids

    Some of the $2.1billion phoney arms contracts cash have been traced to the accounts of wives and children of some former and serving military chiefs, The Nation has learnt.

    The Economic and Finanacial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is probing how the money was spent, may restrict access to all the identified accounts “this week”, a source said yesterday.

    Also yesterday, a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal  Alex Badeh, reported to the EFCC.

    But his invitation was rescheduled for Monday ”because of operational reasons”.

    It was learnt that the EFCC may interrogate Air Chief Marshal Badeh alongside some military officers who have also been invited.

    A source close to the investigation said some of the former and serving officers under investigation acquired properties in the names of their wives, children and relations “to hide their loot”.

    The source said: “Our investigators have uncovered that some of these military officers under probe stashed  their shares of the $2.1billion arms cash in the accounts of their relations, especially wives and children.

    “We have traced such slush funds and we may freeze these accounts until we have screened the inflows and expenditures. The legitimately operated accounts will be freed after thorough screening.”

    Besides, some houses belonging to the children and relations of some military chiefs have been identified as products of proceeds of financial crimes. “We have already marked the properties of one of the children of a top military brass. We have invoked Temporary Assets Forfeiture Clause in EFCC Act,” the source said.

    “It is obvious that some of the arms cash were laundered through proxies, relations and phony companies. Some even registered companies in the names of their spouses or families.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “We have done enough ground work to interrogate some of these former and serving military chiefs.”

    Air Chief Marshal Badeh appeared briefly at the EFCC but his interrogation was shifted to Monday.

    “We have also summoned most of the former and serving military officers referred to EFCC for probe,” another source said.

    Attempts to get Air Chief Marshal Badeh last night were unsuccessful.

    Apart from the former CDS, others under investigation  are Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal M.D. Umar; a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki ; Col. N. Ashinze , who was the Special Military Assistant to the ex-NSA; and a former Chief of Air Staff, A.N. Amosu; the most senior Air Force officer, AVM A. M. Mamu(the Chief of Administration); AVM O.T.Oguntoyinbo (former Director of Production, Defence Headquarters); AVM R.A. Ojuawo (Air Officer Tactical Air Command, Makurdi;  AVM J.B. Adigun(former Chief of Accounts and Budgeting in NAF); and AVM JA Kayode-Beckley(Director, Armament Research in Air Force Research and Development Centre); AVM T Omenyi (MD, NAF Holdings)four top officers at the Defence Headquarters(DHQ), Air Cdre AO Ogunjobi; Air Cdre GMD Gwani; Air Cdre SO Makinde; and Air Cdre AY Lassa

    Some of the areas of investigation are:

    • How 10 contracts totalling $930,500,690.00 were awarded
    • Payment of  N4,402,687,569.41 for unexecuted contracts
    • Procurement of two used Mi-24V Helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at $136,944,000.00.
    • 4 used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at US$7,180,000.00 funded by ONSA
    • Cannibalization of engines from NAF fleet to justify procurement of jets
    • Excessive pricing of 36D6 Low Level Air Defence Radar at $33m instead of $6m per one
    • Delivery of radars without  vital component of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) that distinguishes between own and adversary aircraft
    • Strange transfer of $2m to Mono Marine Corporation Nigeria Limited owned by some Air Force officers
    • N15bn lavished on the maintenance of its Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters.
    • N2.5billion contracts awarded to Syrius Technologies( Ukrainian company) not registered in Nigeria
    • Award of 7 contracts worth N599,118,000.00 contracts to Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria(DICON) but two delivered.
  • BREAKING NEWS! Buhari sacks service chiefs

    BREAKING NEWS! Buhari sacks service chiefs

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday relieved service chiefs of their appointments.

    The announcement was made by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, while speaking with State House correspondents.

    The Service Chiefs who were relieved of their duties include Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (Chief of Army Staff), Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosu (Chief of Air Staff), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (Chief of Defence Staff), and Admiral Usman Jibrin.

    As at press time, replacements has not been announced for the service chiefs who were all appointed by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.