Africa
5 years ago

Gunmen kill Nigeria's ex-defence chief

Formal Nigeria Air Chief Defence Marshal Alex Badeh was assassinated by unknown gunmen in Abuja. Internet photo
Formal Nigeria Air Chief Defence Marshal Alex Badeh was assassinated by unknown gunmen in Abuja. Internet photo

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A former defence chief in Nigeria has been killed in an ambush outside the capital, Abuja.

Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh died from gunshot wounds in an attack on his vehicle by unknown gunmen.

The Ex-Military was on his way to Abuja with his driver this evening when he was attacked by unknown higher killers.

Air force spokesman Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that Badeh's vehicle “was attacked while returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi Road”.

It is unclear whether it was a targeted or random killing.

Badeh served as chief of defence staff under former President Goodluck Jonathan, who stepped down in 2015, and was on trial for money-laundering – allegations he denied.

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges he diverted Nigeria Air Force funds for his personal use, according to BBC.

Alex still has a standing trial for looting of funds meant for nuclear weapons purchased before his death.

His defence team had been expected to present their case in January, Nigeria’s Guardian newspaper reported.

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