Bribery allegation: Adepoju wants panel reviewed

Mutiu Adepoju
 

Former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation’s Organisation and Disciplinary Committee, Leye Adepoju, has written to the NFF President, Aminu Maigari, urging him to review the constituted panel put in place to investigate him over an allegation of bribery.

Adepoju is being investigated over an alleged attempt to bribe members of the disciplinary committee, who sat over the case involving Shooting Stars and Sunshine Stars. A sum of N1.5m was involved in the allegation but the Oyo Football Association chairman said contrary to reports in the media, the said amount was meant for something else.

“I have great reservation as to whether the panel, as presently constituted, can really investigate the allegation. I must say that apart from Shehu Adamu and Muazu Kawo that may be considered neutral, the personnel is filled with known antagonists,” the letter read in part.

Adepoju is of the opinion that three other members of the panel: Emeka Inyama, Chris Green and Emma Okaro are unlikely to be fair because he does not enjoy good relationships with them. He however stated that he would go ahead to appear before the panel and clear his name even if the panel remained as constituted.

“Let me state clearly that no matter the constitution of the panel, I shall appear before it and defend myself. However, I would appreciate an open trial including but not limited to the record of the proceeding by me.”