Hammadama Bello, the 9th prosecution witness (PW9) in the ongoing trial of former Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko, yesterday told the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, presided by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba; that the defendant allegedly converted N1.2 billion belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to his personal use. Dikko is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a seven-count charge of money laundering and procurement fraud to the tune of N9.7 billion.
Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the witness, who is an investigator with the EFCC, said that funds meant for NAF operations were diverted by Dikko to personal use. The witness further revealed that not all the capital projects like building and equipping of hospitals, schools, conference centre and the renovation of barracks were sponsored from the tranche earmarked for them.
He added that the defendant built his house in Maitama, valued at about N1 billion, from the money.
Bello further revealed that all directives regarding the disbursement of NAF’s funds came from Dikko to the Director of Finance and Accounts, who was assisted by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Group Capt. Bukar Abubakar.
Abubakar was in turn assisted by Sqn. Ldr. Emmanuel Agbor, and other junior cashiers, he alleged, adding that the former air chief gave directives in the absence of the Director, Finance, and Accounts.
At the previous sitting, Bello had told the court how some properties were allegedly purchased by the defendant.
With the conclusion of cross-examination, Justice Dimgba discharged the witness and adjourned the matter till today, Friday for continuation of hearing.
