Three officials of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were earlier today arraigned before an Abuja high court for allegedly embezzling $9.5 million and N1. 3 million.

 

The accused are Christopher Andekin, NFF director of administration and finance, Fadanari Mamza, head, finance and accounting department, and Reagan Zaka, cashier.

They trio were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a five-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation.

 

The officials conspired between January 8 and 26, 2015 to commit the offences, contrary to section 97 of Penal Code.

 

The prosecuting team headed by Steve Odiase, told the court how Andekin diverted FIFA grant given to Nigeria for the development of football in the country.

 

He said Andekin fraudulently diverted N1.3 million from the NFF domiciliary account with Zenith Bank, an act that is contrary to section 311 of the Penal Code.

He further alleged that Zaka fraudulently diverted $7.2 million grant from FIFA for development of football in Nigeria while Mamza diverted $2.3 million.

 

The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their counsel, Arinze Egbo, applied for their bail.

Justice Peter Affen upheld the administrative bail granted to them earlier by the EFCC and adjourned until November 27 for the commencement of trial.