Justice Okon Akang of a Federal High Court, Abuja, Wednesday, paid glowing tribute to the late Air Marshal Alex Badeh (retd) for his composure through out his trial.
Badeh former Chief of Defence Staff, was before his death, facing a 14-count charge on abuse of office, money laundering and converting public money to personal use, to the tune of N3.9bn.
He was charged alongside his company, Iyalikan Nig.Ltd before Justice Abang.
At the resumed hearing on yesterday, Justice Abang eulogised the former Airforce Chief as a cool headed man, who respected the court through out his trial.
Abang said of Badeh: “Throughout his trial, he never created difficulties for court. He was so peaceful throughout his trial.
“His conduct was a show of tremendous respect to the court. He was always in court before trial, he never asked for frivolous applications, ” Justice Abang said.
Meanwhile, at the proceedings, the defence lawyer, Akin Olujimi formally informed the court of the death of his client, stating he was murdered on December 19, 2018, on his way from the farm.
He requested for a short time to liaise with the prosecution on the next line of action.
The prosecuting counsel, Oluwalekan Atolagbe, who stood in for Rotimi Jacobs, did not object to the request for a short date.
He, however, said the defence ought to have furnished the court with a death certificate, being the court of record.
In a short ruling, Justice Abang held that no death certificate was required because the fact of his death was already in public domain.
“The court is already aware of his death. The Supreme Court made it clear that where a matter is already a public knowledge, the court being a member of the public, does not require certificate of death.”
He subsequently adjourned to February 26 for a feedback on the meeting between the prosecution and defence counsel.
