Three officials of Nigeria Football Federation were on today docked in an FCT High Court at Maitama, over misappropriation of $9.5 million and $1.3 million.
They were dragged to the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 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 January 26, 2015, to commit the offences, contrary to Section 97 of Penal Code.
Odiase alleged that Andekin was assigned with money meant for the development of football in Nigeria, a grant from 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 Dollar grant from the Federation of International Football Association for development of football in Nigeria while Mamza diverted $2. 3 million.
The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their counsel, Mr. Arinze Egbo applied for their bail.
The Judge, Justice Peter Affen upheld the administrative bail granted to them earlier by the EFCC. In addition, he ordered that the sureties should sign a bond with the registrar of the court, and the defendants should deposit their International passports.
Affen then adjourned until November 27 for the commencement of trial.
(NAN)
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
