EFCC Finally Docks NFF Staff for $10.8m FIFA Grant Misappropriation
CHIMAOBI UCHENDU
The drama that began at the Uyo International Airport on Tuesday morning when officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stopped the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi from going to Tunisia for the Libya-Nigeria match got to its crescendo Thursday as three officials of the NFF were docked in an FCT High Court at Maitama. They were accused of misappropriating $9.5 million and $1. 3 million.
Those dragged to court are Christopher Andekin, NFF Director of Administration and Finance, Reagan Zaka, Cashier and Fadanari Mamza, Head, Finance and Accounts Department.
They were charged with a five-count charge 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 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 $1.3 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.
