3 NFF OFFICIALS MISAPPROPRIATE $9.5M, FACE TRIALS
Three officials of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, will be arraigned today (Tuesday) 5th March, 2019, in a Federal Capital Territory High Court at Maitama
The three officials were accused of misappropriating $9.5 million and N1.3 million.
The court, which adjourned the case from November 27th, 2018, to 5th March, 2019, will commence trial of the three NFF officials today in Abuja High Court after two adjournments.
The defendants are Christopher Andekin, NFF Director of Administration and Finance; Reagan Zaka, Cashier; and Fadanari Mamza, Head, Finance and Account Department of NFF.
They were dragged to the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on five count charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation.
The prosecutor, Mr. Steve Odiase, told the court that the three defendants conspired between January 8 and January 26, 2015, to commit the offences, contrary to Section 97 of Penal Code.
Odiase alleged that Andekin was entrusted with money meant for the development of football in Nigeria, a grant from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).
He said that Andekin, however, fraudulently diverted N1.3 million from the NFF domiciliary account with Zenith Bank, an act that is contrary to section 311 of the Penal Code.
He further alleged that Zaka on his part, fraudulently diverted $7.2 million grant from FIFA for development of football in Nigeria while Mamza diverted $2.3 million.
The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their counsel, Mr. Arinze Egbo, applied for their bail.
The Judge, Justice Peter Affen, upheld the administrative bail granted to them earlier by the EFCC.
The grant ($9.5m) was 2014 World Cup fund paid by FIFA to NFF for the development of grassroots football across the country but the present NFF Board, in 2015, was alleged to have squandered the funds.
In addition, the court ordered that the sureties should sign a bond with the registrar of the court, and the defendants should deposit their international passports.
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.