EFCC Forced Me to Pay N40m for My Release – Detained Air Force Chief

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Detained ‎former Air Officer in charge of Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, Air Vice Marshal [AVM] Rufus Ojuawo, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) forced him to pay N40 million as a condition for his release.

He is currently in confinement at House 27, Niger Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, under the directive of the EFCC.

He further alleged that contrary to the position of the anti-graft agency, he did not voluntarily surrender his Range Rover (SUV) car to the commission but that it was seized from him by force.

His averments ‎were contained in his further affidavit in support of his application to enforce his fundamental rights now pending before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.

The officer who has been in detention custody for over 100 days since his arrest on February 7, 2016, was last week produced in court by the anti-corruption agency following an order of the court.

Justice Ademola gave the order after counsel to the detained military chief, Mr. R.N. Ojabo, moved an application for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights.

His appearance was ordered by the court to enable it know which agency of government was keeping him since the EFCC denied that the embattled military officer was not in its custody, having being released on administrative bail.

Until his arrest by the EFCC on February 7, 2016, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Ojuawo was carrying out his duties as the Air Officer Commanding the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force, Makurdi.

FURTHER DETAILS LATER