Justice Peter Affen of an FCT High Court at Maitama, on Wednesday fixed March 5, for the trial of three officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) charged with alleged misappropriation of 9. 5 million dollars FIFA grant.
Those standing trial are Christopher Andekin, NFF Director of Administration and Finance, Reagan Zaka, Cashier and Fadanari Mamza, Head, Finance and Account Department.
They were dragged to the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on five counts of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation.
The trial stated for Wed. could not hold ,though all parties were present and also the defendants.
Affen, fixed the date after he held met with all the counsel in the matter in his chamber.
The EFCC, through its counsel, Mr Steve Odiase told the court that the three defendants conspired between Jan. 8 and Jan. 26, 2015 to commit the offences, contrary to Section 97 of Penal Code.
Odiase alleged that Andekin was entrusted with money meant for the development of football in Nigeria, a grant from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).
He said that Andekin however fraudulently diverted 1.3 million dollars 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 on his part, fraudulently diverted 7. 2 million dollars grant from FIFA for development of football in Nigeria while Mamza diverted 2. 3 million dollars.
The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
