More Troubles For Pinnick, Others As September 26 Approaches

More Troubles For NFF As September 26 Approaches

By Akin Akinbobola

On July 1st, 2019 the Federal High Court in Abuja issued bench warrant on NFF 1st vice president, Seyi Akinwunmi, 2nd Vice president, Shehu Dikko, Secretary General, Sanusi Mohammed, and Board member, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh following alleged mismanagement of funds meant for football development.

The president of the federation, Amaju Pinnick was the only one of the five accused persons that was not affected by the bench warrant.

The judge had said that his role as Chairman, Organising Committee of the 2019 African Nations Cup, in Egypt, the court should understand why he was not in court on July 1st, 2019

A 17-count charge have been filed by the federal government earlier this year, accusing the NFF officials of alleged misappropriation of $8,400,000 belonging to the football house.

The court has accused the NFF president with other four officials of misappropriating funds meant fro the development of football across the country.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu issued the bench warrant on Monday, July 1, after the case involving the NFF officials was called and all five accused persons were not present in court.

With the issuance of bench warrant, the five NFF top officials which includes Amaju Pinnick are expected to appear in the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 26 to defend themselves.

On Friday 13th September, the Independent Corrupt Practises Commission (ICPC) sealed the properties belonging Amaju Pinnick and Shehu Dikko after conducting their investigation and by Thursday 19th, a total of 15 properties belonging to Amaju Pinnick, Shehu Dikko, Sanusi Mohammed, and Ahmed Fresh were reportedly sealed after further investigation by the anti-graft agency.

Former NFF boss, Kodjo William has said that the accused NFF bigwigs should just honourably resign or step aside to clear their names so that the game of football an move forward because the league and other football related activities are in comatose .

In Africa particularly Nigeria, the system is tied to individuals and when such individual or the principals are affected the system stalls.

Unconfirmed report has it that Amaju Pinnick was invited and detained by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, at their Lagos zonal office. It was reported that he was detained from Tuesday and was released on Thursday night. Meanwhile, the NFF accountant Jafar Hamza is still in EFCC net for over four weeks.