The former Chief of Naval Staff, Marshal Alex Badeh, was moved to Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as the anti-graft agency continue its investigation into his connection to the $2.1 billion arms scandal, according to media reports.
Mr. Badeh has been in the EFCC’s custody since February 8 for his connection to arms contracts totalling $930.5 million. An EFCC official, speaking to Punch Newspaper, said that the decision to move the former Chief of Naval Staff to Lagos was motivated by a belief that he owned properties in the area.
The EFCC is questioning Mr. Badeh on the non-specification of procurement costs, absence of contract agreements, award of contracts beyond authorised thresholds, the transfer of public funds for unidentified purposes, and general non-adherence to provisions of the Public Procurement Act.
“We are trying to trace houses that belong to some of the military chiefs. Apart from checking their bank accounts, we want to find out if part of the money for arms procurement was spent on those houses.
“Based on the outcome of our investigations, Badeh may be charged to a Lagos High Court instead of Abuja,” an EFCC detective explained to media sources.