Former Defence Chief, Badeh forfeits $1m to EFCC

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh has forfeited $1m allegedly discovered in his house to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Punch reports.

The EFCC had discovered $1m in Badeh’s mansion while investigating the arms scandal.

The mansion was also seized and he was subsequently charged to court.

Badeh denied ownership of the house and its content.

A presidency source said, “In March, the EFCC searched the house in the presence of neighbours and other witnesses and found $1m in cash.

“Other personal items linked to Badeh were found in the mansion and everything was listed as evidence.

“However, when the matter was taken to court, Badeh denied that the property belonged to him. As you know, the mansion has been converted to Federal Government’s use. In fact, the mansion is now being used by the Presidential Committee on the North-East Initiative headed by Gen. Theophilus Danjuma.

“As for the money, it has been deposited into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Government. Since Badeh has denied ownership of everything, the money has permanently been forfeited to the Federal Government.

“Even if Badeh is found not guilty in court, he cannot turn around to demand the $1m or the property as this will amount to perjury which is a criminal offence and carries a jail term.”

Badeh’s lawyer, Samuel Zibri insisted that the property does not belong to him.

He said, “I have checked through my records. The property is not Badeh’s property. I am not aware of any interim order of forfeiture, neither am I aware of it being converted to a Federal Government office.”