COVID-19 chaos forces suspension of investigation into Chineme Martins’ death

The coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria has forced the suspension of the activities of the panel set up by the Nigeria Football Federation to investigate the death of Nasarawa United FC player, Chineme Martins.

In a statement signed by the NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, the final submission of the report on Thursday, March 26 has been postponed due to the

Federal Government’s directives on suspension of sporting activities.

The panel was expected to submit its final report to the Hon. Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, in Abuja.

“Following the current trend of events arising from the Covid-19 scourge, the panel has temporarily suspended its activities, including submission of its final report. This change in work plan has also been approved by the NFF leadership.

“Since the inauguration of this committee in Benin City on Monday, 16th March, members have been at work. We have inspected facilities in Benin City and Lafia, and spoken to personalities who were involved one way or the other in the organization of the match in which the player died.

“We have been able to extract useful information all round. Our plan was to submit the report to the Hon. Minister on Thursday, 26th March 2020.

“We returned from Lafia on Tuesday morning, but have had to change our plans because of the trend of events and the pronouncement by His Excellency Mr. President himself, as well as other directives by the Federal Government. We are forced to suspend our activities,” chairman of the committee, Dr. Peter Singabele said.

The panel also assured members of the football family its findings and recommendations would be submitted as soon as the current health challenge is under control.