N1.3bn scam: Lulu, 3 other ex-NFF officials file no-case-submission

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday fixed Nov.15 to determine the no-case-submission filed by former president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sani Lulu and three others accused of mismanaging N1.3 billion. The others are Amanze Uchegbulam, a former first vice president, Taiwo Ogunjobi, a former executive committee member and NFF former secretary-general, Bolaji Ojo-Oba. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused persons had earlier lost in their bid to get the Court of Appeal to quash the charges.

Part of the charges against them include alleged unauthorised payment of estacodes/allowances of $800,000 to 220 delegates to the World Cup in South Africa as against 47 delegates approved for the trip. They are also accused of mismanaging N900million World Cup funds belonging to the NFF, purchase of luxury buses for the Super Eagles at over-inflated prices and incurring a $125,000 fine in South Africa over a botched deal with a hotel.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the accused persons, Chief Sunday Ameh (SAN), announced to the court on the pending motion of no-case-submission. “My Lord, my clients have filed a joint no-case-submission on about three grounds why they should not stand this trial. “We have duly served the prosecution team and some responses received from them.

“We will be glad if the court allows us to move the motion with the hope of getting this case behind us,’’ he said. However, the move was immediately countered by the prosecution counsel, Mr Titus Ashaolu (SAN) who cited some unresolved variables. According to him, the prosecution is yet to respond to all the matters raised in the motion by the defence counsel. The Judge, Justice Evon Chukwu, ordered all the parties to file written addresses on the matter for onward presentation at a later date.

“Having agreed on the date to appear next in court, the matter is hereby adjourned till Nov. 15 for the adoption of your written addresses,’’ he said.