Group Sues EFCC, Demands Probe of AFN President, NSC DG Over Alleged N70m Scandal
By Priscilia Adeyemi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja over its alleged refusal to investigate petitions bordering on corruption, misappropriation, and diversion of funds within the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
In a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative, the court is being asked to compel the anti-graft agency to act on a petition submitted on April 15, 2024, implicating AFN President Tonobok Okowa, former Secretary General Rita Mosindi, and the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade.
The group contends that under sections 6(b) and (h) of the EFCC Act, 2004, the Commission has a statutory duty to investigate all reported cases of economic and financial crimes, and that its failure to act on the petition constitutes a dereliction of duty.
The plaintiff is seeking an order mandating the EFCC to commence and conclude investigations into the allegations, as well as a directive compelling the AFN to cooperate fully in the probe.
In addition, the group is asking the court to suspend Okowa and Mosindi from their positions pending the outcome of investigations. It also seeks to have Olopade step aside as Director General of the NSC during the same period.
According to the statement of claim, the plaintiff cited findings from an internal AFN audit report and contractual documents between the federation and Premium Trust Bank to support its claims.
The audit reportedly questioned why only N70 million was paid into AFN accounts despite a contractual agreement worth N100 million annually. The plaintiff argues that the agreement mandated that all sponsorship funds be deposited into a designated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) account jointly operated by AFN and the marketing consultant, Nilayo Sports Management Company, headed by Olopade.
The group also raised concerns over a N40 million payment allegedly approved by Okowa to himself as reimbursement for a purported loan he granted to the federation. The plaintiff says the transaction lacked documentation or formal agreement and was merely referenced in a board meeting without verifiable minutes.
Furthermore, the plaintiff questioned the whereabouts of the N70 million reportedly paid by Premium Trust Bank, as the former Secretary General admitted that the SPV account had yet to be opened at the time of the transaction.
The legal action, according to the group’s Chairman, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, is in line with its mandate to act in the public interest and protect the welfare of sportsmen and women in Nigeria.
The court is yet to fix a date for the hearing.
