Three officials of Nigeria Football Federation in court over alleged misappropriation
Thu Oct 18, 2018 12:28:pm Sports
3.8K By Obiaks Blog
Three officials of Nigeria's football body, accused of misappropriating $9.5 million and N1.3 million were brought before a Federal Capital Territory High Court at Maitama by anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Christopher Andekin, NFF Director of Administration and Finance, Reagan Zaka, Cashier and Fadanari Mamza, Head, Finance and Account Department are being charged on five counts bordering on criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation.
The court was told by the EFCC prosecutor, Mr Steve Odiase, that the three defendants conspired to commit the offences, contrary to Section 97 of Penal Code, between January 8 and January 26, 2015.
Odiase alleged that Andekin who had been entrusted with money meant for the development of football in Nigeria, a grant from the Federation of International Football Association, 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.
In addition, he ordered that the sureties should sign a bond with the registrar of the court, and the defendants should deposit their international passports.
The case has been adjourned until November 27, for the commencement of trial.
Additional reporting from News Agency of Nigeria
Christopher Andekin, NFF Director of Administration and Finance, Reagan Zaka, Cashier and Fadanari Mamza, Head, Finance and Account Department are being charged on five counts bordering on criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation.
The court was told by the EFCC prosecutor, Mr Steve Odiase, that the three defendants conspired to commit the offences, contrary to Section 97 of Penal Code, between January 8 and January 26, 2015.
Odiase alleged that Andekin who had been entrusted with money meant for the development of football in Nigeria, a grant from the Federation of International Football Association, 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.
In addition, he ordered that the sureties should sign a bond with the registrar of the court, and the defendants should deposit their international passports.
The case has been adjourned until November 27, for the commencement of trial.
Additional reporting from News Agency of Nigeria
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