The Federal Government on Tuesday withdrew the corruption charges against the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick and four other chieftains of the body.
The Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu discharged and acquitted Pinnick, NFF Secretary, Sunusi Mohammed; the 1st Vice-President, Seyi Akinwumi; the 2nd Vice-President, Shehu Dikko and an Executive member, Yusuff Fresh, after revealing that the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice wrote to withdraw the charges filed before the court by the disbanded Special Presidential and Investigation Panel.
At the court on Tuesday, a counsel from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which had taken over the case, said it could not proceed with the matter as the proof of evidence could not sustain the charges.
Defence Counsel, Barrister Sani Katu said: “The matter was adjourned till today to allow time for investigation as to whether the defendants should be arraigned or not by the Office of the Attorney General which had taken over the matter. The Office of the Attorney General went and investigated the matter and discovered that the proof of evidence could not sustain the charges. On that basis, the Office of the AGF applied to withdraw the charges and the consequence is that the defendants should be discharged and acquitted from all 16 charges, to which the court agreed.”
CAF Unveils Top Five Nominees For 2024 Awards Ahead Of Ceremony
Rodri Wins Ballon d’Or As Real Madrid Boycotts Ceremony
Thomas Tuchel Appointed England Manager Starting January 2025
Super Eagles Return To Nigeria After AFCON Qualifier Ordeal In Libya