The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, continued its evidence against former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh, with revelations of how he allegedly authorised transfer of funds which were later diverted for his personal use.
Former director of finance of Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Abdullahi Yushau, gave this evidence yesterday, during a cross-examination by Badeh’s lawyer.
Yushau told the Court that “no money goes out of the accounts of Nigerian Airforce without the authorisation of the Chief of Air Staff.
“When documents of transactions are sent to the Chief of Air Staff, he usually authorised them.”
He further told the court that “the balance of the salaries and allowances of personnel of the Nigerian Air force was used for the servicing of the office of the Chief of Air Staff.”
The retired director of finance had earlier told the court that money meant for personnel allowances and salaries were converted into dollars and he, personally, delivered the money to Badeh in his then official residence inside Niger Barracks.
He maintained that: “What is remaining is about N1.6billion or N1.7billion, out of which, the sum of N558,200,000 was taken to Badeh’s official residence at the Niger barracks in Abuja.”
The witness also said the N558,200,000 was under the “control of Badeh, which he gave approval for it to be exchanged into US dollars and taken to his official residence.”
Justice Okon Abang later adjourned the matter till April 8 for continuation of cross-examination of witness.