The trial of a former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Sani Lulu, and three others over alleged multi-billion naira fraud will begin today.

The suspects were detained by the EFCC yesterday in Abuja preparatory to the commencement of their trial

The others are a former Secretary-General of the NFF, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba; a former Chairman of the NFF, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and ex-Vice-President of NFF Amanze Uchegbulam.

EFCC spokesman Femi Babafemi said the suspects would be arraigned before a Federal High Court, Abuja. Mr Justice D. Okorowa will hear the case.

Babafemi said: "We have filed charges against them and we have got a notice from the court for the commencement of the trial of the former NFF officials."

Although Babafemi was not forthcoming on the charges, The Nation learnt that some of the allegations are:

•Payment of estacodes/allowances of $800,000 to 220 delegates to the World Cup in South Africa. Of the lot, only 47 are authorised NFF officials

•mismanagement of N900million World Cup funds;

•purchase of over-inflated luxury buses for the Super Eagles;

•incurring a $125,000 fine in South Africa over a deal with Hampshire Hotel;

•mismanagement of $250,000 to charter a faulty aircraft for the Super Eagles from London to South Africa; and

•spending $400,000 for a hidden friendly match between Colombia and Nigeria on a practicing pitch in London.

A source said: "We expect the court to take their plea on Tuesday. But for the first time, Nigerians will have insight into the rot in NFF.

"With the beginning of their trial, Nigerians will also have the opportunity to hear their side of the issues at stake."

The EFCC had on July 6 summoned top officials of the NFF, including the four suspects, for interrogation.




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