Sports
Omo-Agege says his purported suspension by AFBC falls short of their constitution
….Rubbishes allegation of bribery, forgery
Joel Ajayi
The interim President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Azania Omo-Agege has challenged his purported suspension by the African Boxing Confederation, (AFBC), declaring that it falls short of their constitution.
Reacting to the purported suspension in a strongly worded letter written to the Secretary General of the continental body, Omo-Agege also rubbished every allegation of bribery and forgery leveled against him.
Speaking with our correspondent, the confederation’s first vice President maintained that he had painstakingly highlighted several areas in their constitution in the process of suspending a member from the Association.
He stressed further that he is very optimistic that the so-called suspension will be lifted to allow for the real process of suspending a member to commence should there be any need for it.
Below are some of the issues raised by Omo-Agege as contained in the letter to the continental boxing body Secretary General.
“Fair Hearing: The suspension, executed without affording me the basic tenet of a fair hearing, stands in stark contradiction to universally accepted principles of jurisprudence. Even the International Boxing Association (IBA), the esteemed affiliate of the AFBC, ensures that individuals facing disciplinary actions are granted the fundamental right to present their defense. The Boxing Independent Integrity Unit (BIIU) Tribunal of the IBA meticulously adheres to due process, initiating formal disciplinary proceedings, notifying the accused, and providing a reasonable timeframe for response before arriving at any decisions.
The AFBC, an affiliate of IBA, should have adhered to similar standards. Disappointingly, no such disciplinary proceedings were initiated against me, and I was not formally informed of the allegations or allowed to respond. It is perplexing that the AFBC chose to label me an ‘accused person’ without even opening a disciplinary proceeding. This deviation from established sports practices raises questions about the commitment of the AFBC to principles of fairness and transparency.
Procedural Irregularities: The decision to impose a provisional suspension and a substantial fine, subject to confirmation by the AFBC Disciplinary Committee/Disciplinary Commission, is riddled with procedural irregularities.
As stipulated in Article 34.1 of the AFBC Constitution, standing committees, particularly the Ethics Committee, are mandated to “investigate any matters within the Confederation which it perceives may infringe the Ethical Principles…and issue the necessary decisions (including impose sanctions) as provided for under the Regulations.” The Disciplinary Committee, as detailed in Article 34.5, is entrusted with “adjudicating on complaints made to it of infringements…and imposing sanctions on those bodies and persons found to have breached such provisions.”
A meticulous examination of these provisions reveals that the responsibility for investigating matters and imposing sanctions squarely rests with the Ethics Committee and the Disciplinary Committee—not the Board of Directors, as indicated in the suspension letter. The decision to suspend me, purportedly taken by the Board of Directors, is inconsistent with the constitutional provisions. The authority to investigate and impose sanctions lies explicitly with the Ethics Committee and the Disciplinary Committee. This deviation from established procedures is a serious procedural flaw and a disregard for the principles enshrined in the AFBC’s governing documents.
Furthermore, Article 25.7 of the AFBC Constitution, which the AFBC purportedly relied upon for my suspension, outlines the criteria for the ineligibility of a Director. However, the decision failed to follow the procedure detailed in the same article.
According to Article 25.7, a procedure against the concerned Director should be initiated by the Ethics Committee or the BIIU Nomination/Compliance Unit, and a decision of ineligibility may be appealed before the CAS by the concerned Director. No such procedure was initiated, thereby violating the due process rights guaranteed by the AFBC Constitution.
The decision erroneously attributed the confirmation authority to the AFBC Ethics Committee/Disciplinary Commission, a clear misrepresentation of constitutional provisions. Article 34.1 and Article 34.5 which delineated the roles and responsibilities of the Ethics Committee and the Disciplinary Committee, respectively, left no room for the Board of Directors to make such decisions, subject to confirmation…”
2) Forgery and Falsification: The claim that I forged and falsified documents, including those used for my nomination to the AFBC Board of Directors (BOD) is utterly baseless and without merit. Allow me to present the facts.
According to Article 25.3 of the AFBC Constitution, the Ethics Committee is responsible for vetting all directors. When I contested to be a BOD member, I underwent a thorough vetting process by the Ethics Committee. I was duly cleared to contest the elections, and I eventually won. The then president signed my nomination form, now suspended, General Minimah, at his residence in Kwara State, Nigeria. This process was in full compliance with the established procedures and protocols.
The accusations made during the illegal board meeting by General Minimah and the NBF were regarding the forgery of the NBF letterhead, which is baseless. I addressed and dismissed these allegations as groundless. I challenge these claims and request concrete evidence supporting them, as they lack factual basis.
I am deeply concerned that these allegations may be part of an orchestrated attempt to tarnish my reputation. Over the years, I have built a positive image in Nigeria, Africa, and the global boxing community. It is disheartening to witness a potential misuse of power to punish me for upholding the truth and adhering to the NBF Constitution.
3) Hundred Thousand Dollars Blackmail Allegation: The allegation that I tried to blackmail President Eyassu to facilitate a meeting with the sports minister of Nigeria is with profound respect, laughable. I would like to provide additional clarity on this matter
First, the sports minister has been in office for about six months, and I have never met him before. It is crucial to note that I do not work directly with the sports ministry, as the federation operates independently. Secondly, the idea of needing to pay any amount, let alone a substantial sum, to meet the sports minister is unfounded and surprising. I categorically deny attempting to blackmail President Eyassu for a meeting with the sports minister I have never met in my life. This allegation is baseless and contradicts the principles of integrity and professionalism that I uphold…” the letter read.
Sports
Customs Names First Lady Remi Tinubu As ‘Grand Patron’ For 2025 African Volleyball Championship

…As CGC Adeniyi champions gender inclusion in Nigeria Customs Service
Joel Ajayi
Following the preparation to commence the long-awaited African Volleyball Tournament in April 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service has named the First Lady and wife of the President of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the Grand Patron of the upcoming female volleyball tournament.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this announcement on Friday, when he officially visited the First Lady at her office in Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.During the engagement, CGC Adeniyi lauded the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, citing her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has positively impacted education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women, youth, and vulnerable groups. He noted that her leadership has inspired institutional reforms across various sectors, including the Nigeria Customs Service.
The CGC highlighted the Service’s investment in women’s sports, noting that its volleyball team has won the Volleyball Premier League in 2018, 2022, and 2024, as well as the Confederation of Africa Zone 3 Volleyball Championship in 2018 and 2019. He expressed confidence that the First Lady’s presence at the championship would boost athletes’ morale.
“Your Excellency, in recognition of your exemplary leadership and advocacy for women’s advancement, we humbly request that you honour us by serving as the Grand Patron of this momentous event.
Your presence at the official opening ceremony would immeasurably elevate the significance of this championship and inspire our athletes to even greater heights”, CGC Adeniyi said.
Beyond sports, the CGC emphasised the Service’s commitment to gender balance, highlighting the appointment of women to strategic leadership positions, including Excise and Free Trade Zones, Tariff and Trade, and ICT/Modernization Departments.
He further acknowledged the contributions of female officers leading critical initiatives such as the Corporate Social Responsibility ,CSR, Programme, Single Window project, and Authorised Economic Operator Programme, which have significantly modernised Customs operations.
“Following Your Excellency’s inspiring example, we are actively implementing policies that provide equal opportunities for women to express themselves and excel in our Service. Today, women hold critical leadership positions and drive key modernisation efforts”, CGC Adeniyi added.
However, he reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to promoting women’s participation in leadership and sports, pledging continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the First Lady’s vision for gender inclusion in national development.
Responding, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu accepted the offer, emphasising that women must continue to take up spaces in all spheres of life.
“I accepted this offer and I keep telling women, there’s always a space for you. There’s a space for you. Nobody’s asking you not to amount to anything. You just have to work more”, the First Lady said.
She further called on Nigerian female star athletes who have made names abroad to return home and inspire the next generation, urging figures like Tobi Amusan and others to actively mentor young girls in sports.
“These are role models for our girls, but don’t go out and just be popular there. They should come and encourage other girls. I want them to do that because it matters a lot. When God gives you a platform, you are not just standing for yourself, you are standing for millions of other women”, Senator Oluremi added.
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