N3.4b FIFA grant: Trial of 3 NFF staff suffers major setback
An FCT High Court in Maitama has adjourned to March 5 the trial of three staff of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) charged with misappropriating $9.3million (N3.4b) FIFA grant to Nigeria.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the Director of Admin and Finance, Christopher Andekin; the federation’s cashier, Rajan Zaka and its Head of Finance and Account Department, Jarafu Fadanari Mamza for allegedly misappropriating $9.3million FIFA grants being funds meant for the development of football in the country.
Upon their arraignment and plea of not-guilty on October 18, the court had fixed November 28 for trial to commence, with the court ordering the prosecution to ensure that all its witnesses were brought to court.
However, the trial couldn’t continue as scheduled yesterday when the court was informed that the prosecution only brought one witness to court.
Our reporter gathered that the court had ensured that no other matter was fixed for hearing yesterday so as to allow for an expedited hearing of the NFF case.
When all the lawyers were summoned into the judge’s chambers, it was gathered that the judge was unhappy with the decision of the prosecution to falter on the earlier order.
Upon their exit from the judge’s chambers, it was announced that the matter has been adjourned to March 5 to ensure that there would be no more delays when the hearing finally commences.