Ex-AFN Secretary General Arrested by ICPC for Alleged $150,000 Fraud

Mr. Amaechi Akawo, the former Secretary General of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has been charged by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) with complicity in a $150,000 fraud.

The Commission charged Akawo before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court 5, Abuja, with allegations of corruption involving money laundering and fraudulent diversion of public funds.

Read Also:  Dangote Refinery will reduce African petroleum imports by 36%.

Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, the ICPC spokesperson, said in a statement on Monday that the anti-graft agency had filed a 10-count charge against the former Secretary General before Justice Ekwo, accusing him of diverting funds released by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) for the successful hosting of the CAA Grand Prix Competition in Delta State, popularly known as 2017 Warri Relay Competition.

The offence was allegedly committed in July and August 2017, when Akawu, on multiple occasions, fraudulently diverted funds from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development into personal use.

He is alleged to have had other fronts receive the money on his behalf.

“His actions violated Sections 1 (a) and 16 (1) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 and are punishable under relevant Sections of the same Act,” the statement said.

Akawo entered a not-guilty plea when the charge was read to him.

His counsel, Emmanuel Aghedo, moved his application, praying the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

Counsel to ICPC, Mashkur Salisu, who did not object to the bail application, however urged the court to grant him bail on stringent terms that will ensure he stands his trial.

Justice Ekwo, ruling on the bail application, admitted him to bail in the sum of N15 million, with one surety in like sum.

Read Also:  APC today adopted power-sharing formula for Ganduje, Shekarau’s factions

The judge ordered that the surety must have landed property within the Federal Capital, and that the accused must deposit his international passport with the court registry.

The matter was then adjourned to 16th, 17th and 18th May, 2022 for hearing.