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Alleged Misuse Of FIFA grant: Court Declines To Join Pinnick, Sanusi

Published

6 years ago

February 20, 2020

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) today declined to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) amend a criminal charge before the court to join the President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and Secretary-General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi for alleged misappropriation of FIFA grant.

The anti-corruption commission had on October 18, 2018 arraigned three officials of the Federation before Justice Peter Affen, sitting at Maitama, Abuja, for allegedly misappropriating $9.5 million, being a grant from the world football-governing body.

The commission arraigned NFF Director of Administration and Finance, Christopher Andekin; Cashier, Reagan Zaka and Head, Finance and Account Department, Fadanari Mamza, on a five-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation.

The EFCC alleged that they conspired between January 8 and 26, 2015 to commit the offence, contrary to Section 97 of Penal Code.

Andekin was alleged to have been entrusted with a grant from world football body, the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) meant for the development of football in Nigeria.

He was alleged to have fraudulently diverted $1.3 million from the NFF domiciliary account with Zenith Bank, an act that is contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code.

Zaka, on his part, was said to have fraudulently diverted $7.2 million from the FIFA grant, while Mamza was alleged of diverting $2. 3 million.

They all, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

However, on March 1, 2019, EFCC, through its counsel, Sir Steve Odiase, applied to amend the charge against the three with a view to joining both Pinnick and Sanusi to face charges alongside the three officials on the alleged misappropriation of the FIFA grant.

The defendants, however, objected to the application for joinder, claiming that it was a abuse of court process as the parties being sought to join were facing similar charge before both Abuja Magistrate’s Court and the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court

The disbanded Okoi Obono Obla-led Presidential Panel on Assets Recovery had filed charges against Pinnick and Sanusi before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, bordering on alleged infraction on the FIFA grant.

Ruling on the EFCC’s application today, Justice Affen held that an amendment can be sought and granted by the court at any time before judgment in line with provision of Section 216 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

According to him, the court has the discretion to allow such amendment provided there is no injustice to the accused, adding that when granted, the accused would be called upon to take his plea.

Justice Affen stated that it was an afterthought by the prosecution to seek to join both Pinnick and Sanusi in the case having earlier listed them as witnesses.

Culled from Tribune

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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