Unic Press UK: Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff, the retired Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh died today, Tuesday, from bullet wounds inflicted on him during an attack by yet to be identified gunmen, the Nigerian Air Force said on Twitter.
It is with a heavy heart that I regretfully announce the unfortunate demise of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who died today, 18 Dec 18, from gunshot wounds sustained when his vehicle was attacked while returning from his farm along Abuja-Keffi Road
— Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola (@KunleDaramola3) December 18, 2018
The Director of Public Relations and Information at the headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola added:
“On behalf officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar, commiserates with the family of the late former Chief of Defence Staff over this irreparable loss. We pray that the Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest.”
In a statement on Twitter, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki described the death of Alex Badeh as a “great loss” to Nigeria.
Nigeria has suffered another great loss with the passing of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh. My heartfelt prayers go to his family and our Armed Forces at this tragic time. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest. Amin. pic.twitter.com/Anc0rykZKw
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) December 18, 2018
Since 2016, Badeh has been facing a 10-count charge of fraud, corruption and criminal breach of trust at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The charge includes that, in 2013, he diverted circa ₦3.97 billion from the account of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).