More Influential Nigerians on our Radar: EFCC detains ex-CDS Badeh after eight-hour grilling

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday detained a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, after about eight-hour grilling.

There were indications last night that some former military chiefs were also being quizzed.

But their names were kept under wraps by the anti-graft agency.

Air Chief Marshal Badeh’s interrogation began at about 9am when he was ushered into a session with a panel.

As at 6.27pm, there was no sign that he would be allowed to go home.

Those detained already include ex-National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd); Col. N. Ashinze , who was the Special Military Assistant to the ex-NSA; and a former Chief of Air Staff, A.N. Amosu.

A top source in the EFCC said: “The ex-CDS reported for interrogation and we have been grilling him in the last eight hours on some of the contracts executed with over $2.1billion.

“He is having audience with one of the panels we raised to interact with those military chiefs invited.

“We confronted Badeh with some documents, including letters to the ex-NSA,  Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), demanding the procurement of some military equipment.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “We are not likely to release him on bail now because his interrogation may take a while. You know, he was central to the control of the Armed Forces.

“Before being the CDS, he was also a Chief of Air Staff. Some of these equipment were bought under him.”

The source confirmed that some former and serving military officers had been quizzed but he was not forthcoming on the list “in order not to prejudice investigation.”

Apart from Air Chief Marshal Badeh, others for investigation are Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal M.D. Umar; 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 J. A. 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. S.O. Makinde; and Air Cdre. A.Y. Lassa.