Lawyer, ICPC disagree over allegations of corruption against NFF officials
By Abdulgafar Oladimeji
A private legal practitioner and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission,. ICPC are entangled in legal fireworks over the allegations of misappropriation of funds filed by one Tunde Aderibigbe against former and serving officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
It would be recalled that legal practitioner, Alhaji Ibrahim , in a letter dated 15th July, 2024 had asked the commission to prosecute serving and former NFF officials indicted in its investigations, saying “ despite the completion and the indictment that arose therefrom, your office has neglected to take the matter forward.
In the letter , Ibrahim stated that “we have been briefed to request to know why the ICPC has refused to prosecute those found wanting in the investigation. in the event, your investigation did not find them wanting, we request that your good office provide our client explanations as to their exoneration.”
ICPC in a reply missive dated 22nd August, 2024, with reference No ICPC/LEG/G/45/2024 signed by the director Legal Services, Henry O. Emore, said their investigations did not establish anything against the NFF officials mentioned in the petition by Aderibigbe.
ICPC explained that the commission reliant on Charge No FHC/ABJ//CR/93/2019 could not proceed with the case, as it the commission risked been sued of malicious prosecution, following the fact that the NFF officials mentioned in the petition have been discharged and acquitted by the court presided over by Hon Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.
The commission further explained that the prosecution counsel from the federal ministry of justice in the case had made an application pursuant to the provisions of section 355 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, before the court, culminating to the defendants being discharged and acquitted by the court.
ICPC further said it would be contrary to the provisions of section 36(9) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(as amended)for the anti graft agency to pursue the prosecution of the defendants in the matter , citing the bar plea of autrefois acquit.
Responding, Aderibigbe through his legal representative, , in a letter dated 30th September 2024 addressed to ICPC chairman, dismissed the submissions made by ICPC on the issue.
The reply signed by Barrister Alhaji Ibrahim “Justice Castle” argued that the facts of the issues in contention were distinctly different from one presented by ICPC in its reply to their earlier letter.
He stated that the matter in Charge No FHC/ABJ//CR/93/2019 were entirely different from the complaint laid against NFF officials before the commission by Mr Tunde Aderibigbe.
He stressed that, the NFF officials were arraigned before the court on allegations bordering on asset declaration, conflict of interest in the appointment of financial consultant.
He further pointed out that the allegations against NFF officials before the court borders on criminal breach of trust and criminal misappropriation.
He further pointed out that the allegations contained in the petition by Aderibigbe to ICPC borders on mismanagement of N1.5 billion released to NFF by FIFA for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
According to him, Aderibigbe had raised in issues the allegations over $1million meant for the preparations for the 2018 FIFA World cup in Russia, adding that ICPC was also asked by the petitioner to investigate sponsorship deals involving Super Falcons and monies allegedly paid to NFF by sports kit manufacturer(name withheld).
The lawyer insist that the issues are different, alleging that ICPC rather than taking necessary action is allegedly seemed to be providing cover for NFF officials mentioned in the petition.
What happened to the outcome of the comprehensive report of the investigations into the allegations against the NFF officials “ the petitioner queried in his latest letter to ICPC.
