Air-Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar, on alleged charge of money laundering running into N13.5 billion.

The arraignment, which is based on a seven-count charge filed on April 22, 2016, is before Justice Binta Murtala Nyako in Abuja.

The Prosecutor, Mr Sylvanus Tahir, asked for a trial date to enable him produce their witnesses and prayed the court to remand the accused in custody.

Defense Counsel, Hassan Liman, however applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution. The prosecution also confirmed that he has been served with a copy of the bail application.

Justice Nyako admitted the accused person bail in self-recognizance but ordered him to deposit his international passport with the court.

She also said he must not travel out of the court’s jurisdiction without the permission of the court.

Justice Nyako predicated her decision on the fact that the accused person is under an administrative bail by the EFCC.

Air Marshal Umar becomes the second former service chief to stand trial under the present administration on allegations of corruption.

Justice Nyako has adjourned the case to June 7, 8 and 9.

Air Marshal Mohammed Umar was the Chief of Air Staff between September 2010 and December 2012 before Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh took over.

Umar was indicted alongside his successors, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd) and Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (retd.), by the Air Vice Marshal John Ode (retd.)-led Presidential Committee established to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the armed forces and defence sector from 2007 to 2015.

Badeh, former Chief of Defence Staff is currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, while Amosu has honoured the commission’s invitation and returned over N2billion to the federal government.

*Post updated with the amount of money on the charge.