Nigerian Football Fraud Case Stalled as Former LSFA Chairman Evades Court
Proceedings in a high-profile fraud case involving ₦33.1 million allegedly misappropriated from the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) have stalled after the former chairman and his co-defendant repeatedly failed to appear in court. The case, brought by Nigeria's anti-graft agency the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, highlights ongoing challenges in holding senior sports officials accountable for financial misconduct.
At a recent hearing before Justice Olubukola Okunnuga at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, EFCC counsel Mohammed Abbas informed the court that despite proper service of charges, former LSFA chairman Fouad Oki and Eko-Akete Engineering & Construction Company Ltd have continued to evade arraignment. The court has now adjourned proceedings until April 14, 2026.
Background and Context
The case emerges against a backdrop of persistent corruption concerns within Nigerian sports administration. The LSFA, responsible for overseeing football development in Nigeria's economic hub, has previously faced scrutiny over its financial management. The EFCC's involvement reflects the agency's broader mandate to combat financial crimes across both public and private sectors, with particular focus on cases involving public funds and institutional corruption.
According to the charge sheet filed by senior advocate Rotimi Oyedepo on behalf of the EFCC, the alleged offenses occurred between July 29 and August 17, 2023, during Oki's tenure as LSFA chairman. The timing coincides with heightened federal efforts to improve transparency in sports governance, though enforcement remains inconsistent across Nigeria's 36 states.
Key Figures and Entities
Fouad Oki, the primary defendant, served as chairman of the Lagos State Football Association until the allegations surfaced. His leadership of one of Nigeria's most prominent state football bodies placed him in a position of significant authority over substantial financial resources intended for grassroots football development and player welfare programs.
Eko-Akete Engineering & Construction Company Ltd, named as the second defendant, allegedly served as a conduit for the misappropriated funds. Corporate records available through Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission show the company remains active, though detailed ownership structures require further investigation. The dual indictment of both an individual and corporate entity suggests prosecutors believe the alleged misconduct involved coordinated action through business channels.
Legal and Financial Mechanisms
The EFCC has filed two counts under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The first count alleges the dishonest conversion of ₦33,105,000 belonging to the LSFA, punishable under Section 287 of the law. The second count accuses Oki of abusing his office by authorizing the conversion for personal use, contravening Section 73(2) which prohibits acts prejudicial to the rights of public institutions.
The relatively modest amount involved belies the case's significance. Under Nigerian law, abuse of office charges carry implications beyond financial penalties, potentially including disqualification from future public service positions. The EFCC's approach of pursuing both criminal conversion and abuse of office charges suggests an intent to establish a broader pattern of institutional misconduct.
International Implications and Policy Response
The stalled proceedings highlight systemic obstacles in Nigeria's anti-corruption framework, particularly when defendants employ delay tactics to avoid accountability. International bodies including FIFA have repeatedly called for improved financial transparency in football administration globally, with African federations facing particular scrutiny.
The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of state-level anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria. While the EFCC maintains authority nationwide, successful prosecutions often depend on cooperation from state judicial systems. The extended adjournment until 2026 has drawn criticism from transparency advocates who argue such delays undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Sources
This report draws on court filings from the Lagos State High Court, official statements from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and reporting by Nigerian judicial correspondents covering the proceedings between 2023 and 2024. The Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, provides the legal framework for the charges filed.
