EFCC Persecuting Me - Detained Ex-CDS Badeh Cries Out

Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Alex Badeh has denied his involvement in the looting of $2.1 billion meant for purchase of arms. In a statement he personally signed, Badeh said he was being persecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for no just cause.

He lamented that he was being treated unfairly and his rights were violated by a country he fought so hard to defend against Boko Haram, despite assuring the anti-graft agency that he would fully cooperate with any investigation.

''it has been widely reported in the news that I am being investigated over the $2.1 Billion Arms deal but that is not true. I was not part of Dasukigate. The claim that 5 properties were acquired for me from the $2.1billion funds is also false. “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,'' Badeh said.

The former chief pointed out that it was impossible for him to have received $800, 000, because he had no control over services and spending. According to him the office of the CDS had no operational control of the services and spending. He insisted he did not receive any money from his director of finance and accounts, saying, “If he claims to have given me money, where is the proof? Was it paid into my account? Did I sign for it?” The former CDS noted that when they claimed to have traced billions to the accounts of wives of some past Air Force officers, none was found with his family and yet the EFCC keeps generalizing and making it look like his family is involved too.

Badeh said he lost his personal house and hospital while defending his fatherland, which is now denying him of his freedom and fundamental human rights. “During the 2014 Boko haram attack on my village Vimtim, it was widely reported in the media that I sent a helicopter to evacuate my parents and relatives. Which parents? I am an orphan, I lost my father in the 70’s and my mother in 2013. My cousin, who lived next to me, was killed during the 2014 attack on my village. So who exactly did I evacuate? It is unfortunate that I didn’t come out to clarify some of these issues when they were reported in the media.

''I was detained by The EFCC for 3 weeks and was not charged to court but was given onerous bail conditions by the Commission which I could not meet. A remand warrant was hastily obtained on the 25th February in Lagos as soon as The EFCC was served with a notice for my bail hearing in court by my lawyers. Why detain me for so long and issue such onerous bail conditions when they aren’t ready to charge me to court?” he said.

Badeh said he was being subjected to “media trial” and it was unfortunate that the media has allowed itself to be used. The former defence chief said all he is asking for is to be given a fair hearing with the rule of law strictly adhered to. Meanwhile, the EFCC has filed a 10-count criminal charge against Badeh and Iyalikam Nig Ltd, a company linked to him, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Daily Trust reports. Badeh and the company are being accused of removing from the accounts of the NAF, and use of dollar equivalent of N650m to purchase a commercial plot at plot 1386, Oda Crescent Cadastral zone A07, Wuse II, Abuja among other allegations.

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