News

NFF Ethics Committee Bans Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf and fined him $5000 following bribery allegations

Published

7 years ago

September 5, 2018

Bona Naija

The Nigeria Football Federation has banned a Super Eagles coach, Salisu Yusuf, from all football-related activities for a year.

The coach was also asked to pay a fine of $5,000 to the NFF within three months.

The decision was announced in a statement, seen by Wuzup Naija, on Wednesday.

Salisu Yusuf was implicated after he was captured in a video receiving $1,000 cash from investigative journalists, posing as football agents, who requested that two players be selected for a major championship.

The statement said the NFF Committee on Ethics and Fair Play arrived at the decision after considering a complaint by the NFF and Salisu’s defence of the video documentary.

The statement noted that Salisu has been found guilty of receiving “cash gift” to field certain players at the 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations.

He was also promised 15 per cent of the players’ contract fee if they are signed by a foreign club.

The video clip of the alleged transaction, which was made public by BBC African Eye on July 24, showed the coach receiving the sum of $1000 from undercover reporters led by Anas Arameyaw Anas.

The meeting took place in Ghana during the 2017 WAFU Cup where Nigeria finished second after losing the final 4-1 to host Ghana.

The statement reads in part:

In its report submitted to the NFF Secretariat on Tuesday, days after inviting the coach to state his own side of matters, the Committee, chaired by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said it:

1) Established from the admission of Coach Salisu Yusuf and also found as a fact from the documentary and video evidence before it, that he accepted the cash gift of $1,000 offered by Tigers Player’s Agency, an undercover reporter, purportedly interested in acting on behalf of Players Osas Okoro and Rabiu Ali, for their inclusion in the list of players for 2018 CHAN Competition in Morocco.

2) The Committee found as a fact that it was not an error of judgment on the part of Coach Salisu Yusuf but a conscious and deliberate decision to have accepted the cash gift of $1,000 from the decoy player agent/undercover reporter, purportedly interested in acting on behalf of Players Osas Okoro and Rabiu Ali, even though the evidence before the Committee did not establish that his conduct influenced the choice of the two players.

3) That the two Players could have made the team to 2018 CHAN Competition in Morocco on the basis of their talent and performance.

4) That Coach Salisu Yusuf did not accept the offer of 15% of the anticipated transfer fees of the said players, as there was no follow –up action on the promise.

5) That the act of the Coach, which was widely published on the British Broadcasting Corporation, has a damaging effect on the reputation and integrity of Nigerian Football, as he ought to have conducted himself more professionally in line with the Code of Conduct signed alongside his Contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, as his conduct in public and in secret should be exemplary, since coaches are role models.

6) That the FIFA Code of Ethics, NFF Code of Ethics and FIFA Disciplinary Code, did not contemplate negligence or error of judgment as a defence to violation of any of the provisions as contained therein, as punitive measures must be adopted to serve as deterrent to other intending offenders, even though, that he is a first time offender.

Committee’s decision: “In accordance with Art. 22, FIFA Disciplinary Code, he is hereby banned for the period of one year, from partaking or involvement or participation in any football relatedactivity, effective from the date of this decision. He is also fined in the sum of $5,000 to be paid within three (3) months of the date of this decision…” The Committee also ruled that an appeal against the decision can be made to the NFF Appeals Committee.

With Alhaji Mainasara Illo (Member), Reverend Justin Chidi Okoroji (Member) and Barr. Joshua Onoja (Secretary) also present, the Committee said it passed its verdict of guilt on the defendant based on Art. 20, as well as Art. 21 (1) and 21 (3) of the NFF Code of Ethics. It also made reference to Art. 10 and 11 of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

Art. 20: “Persons bound by this Code may only offer or accept gifts or other benefits to and from persons within or outside NFF, or in conjunction with intermediaries or related parties as defined in this Code, which i) have symbolic or trivial value ii) exclude any influence for the execution or omission of an act that is related to their official activities or falls within their discretion iii) are not contrary to their duties iv) did not create any undue pecuniary or other advantage and v) did not create a conflict of interest.

Art 21 (1): “Persons bound by this Code must not offer, promise, give or accept any personal or undue pecuniary advantage or other advantage in order to obtain or retain business or any other improper advantage to or from anyone within or outside NFF. Such acts are prohibited; regardless of whether carried out directly or indirectly through, or in conjunction with, intermediaries or related parties as defined in this Code. In particular, persons bound by this Code must not offer, promise, give or accept any undue pecuniary or other advance for the execution or omission of an act that is related to their official activities and is contrary to their duties or falls within their discretion. Any such offer must be reported to the Ethics Committee and any failure to do so shall be sanctionable in accordance with this Code.”

Art. 21 (3): “Persons bound by this Code must refrain from any activity or behaviour that might give rise to the appearance or suspicion of improper conduct as described in the foregoing sections, or any attempt thereof.”

Before the Committee’s sitting, the NFF Integrity Unit headed by Dr.Christian Emeruwa, which commenced preliminary investigation when the documentary was first made public, had already submitted a report to the NFF General Secretary based on its work.

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‘You’re Lucky’ – Wike Blasts Sowore Over Comment on Tinubu

Published

2 hours ago

September 19, 2025

Bona Naija

‘You’re Lucky’ – Wike Knocks Sowore for Calling Tinubu a Criminal

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized activist and politician Omoyele Sowore for labeling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”

Speaking on Thursday during the flag-off of the construction of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, Abuja, Wike said Sowore was “lucky” that Tinubu respects the rule of law, warning that not all leaders would tolerate such remarks.

“You Are Lucky,” Wike Tells Sowore

According to Wike:

“This is a country where somebody will go on social media and say Mr. President is a criminal and nothing will happen.

No matter how you see people criticize Trump, have you ever seen any Nigerian citizen on social media or in public say our president is a criminal? Have you ever heard that?

You are lucky you have a president that believes in the rule of law.

You are lucky, continue to be lucky because there are those you will meet and you won’t be lucky again.”

‘You’re Lucky’ – Wike Knocks Sowore for Calling Tinubu a Criminalpic.twitter.com/Dc6UOzW48w
— BONA NAIJA (@BonaNaija) September 18, 2025

Wike Cites Nigeria’s Freedom of Speech

The minister argued that the ability of citizens to openly criticize Tinubu demonstrates the level of freedom in Nigeria compared to other countries, including the United States.

His comments come amid growing political tensions, with Sowore and other critics frequently attacking the administration over governance, economy, and democracy.

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Business

Nigerians React as Shoprite Shuts Down Stores in Ibadan, Ilorin, and Shelves Empty in Lagos, Abuja

Published

3 hours ago

September 18, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Nigerians React as Shoprite Shuts Down Stores in Ibadan, Ilorin, and Shelves Empty in Lagos, Abuja

Shoprite shuts down outlets in Ibadan and Ilorin as shelves go empty in Lagos and Abuja. Nigerians react to the retail giant’s struggles amid inflation and rising competition.

Shoprite’s Struggles in Nigeria Deepen

Shoprite’s operations in Nigeria appear to be in crisis, four years after the South African retail giant exited the supermarket business.

Reports by Daily Trust confirm that outlets in Ibadan and Ilorin have closed, while stores still operating in Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities now have largely empty shelves.

From Expansion to Decline

Since opening its first Nigerian outlet in Lagos in 2005, Shoprite became a household name, growing into more than 25 stores across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory. At its peak, the chain directly employed over 2,000 workers and supported hundreds of local suppliers, particularly farmers.

But rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and growing competition from local supermarkets have steadily weakened its dominance, pushing the brand into financial distress.

In 2021, Shoprite Holdings Limited sold its Nigerian business to local investors after retreating from several African markets including Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda—citing harsh operating conditions.

Nigerians React on Social Media

The closures have sparked a wave of reactions across social media, where Nigerians expressed a mix of nostalgia, disappointment, and calls for stronger homegrown supermarket chains.

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #ShopriteNigeria, #ShopriteClosure, and #NigerianRetail began trending:

“Shoprite shutting down is an end of an era. That place was our mini mall culture in the 2000s.” – @lagos_girl

“This should be a wake-up call. We need to support Nigerian-owned supermarkets like Justrite, Hubmart, and Ebeano.” – @naija_economist

“No more weekend hangouts at Shoprite. Sad, but not surprising with the way inflation is going.” – @femiwrites

“Shoprite was not just a supermarket, it was a social spot. I met my wife there in 2012. This hits different.” – @deji_lagos

“If Shoprite can’t survive here, it tells you everything about Nigeria’s business environment.” – @uchechukwu_onyi

What’s Next for Retail in Nigeria?

While many lament the decline of Shoprite, others see opportunity for local supermarkets to step into the gap. Brands like Justrite, Hubmart, Ebeano, and Spar could potentially take advantage of the vacuum.

With Shoprite’s uncertain future, the question remains: will Nigeria’s supermarket culture fade with its departure—or will indigenous brands reinvent it?

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News

Rivers Assembly Resumes After Six-Month Emergency Rule, Tasks Fubara on Commissioners and Budget

Published

9 hours ago

September 18, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Rivers Assembly Resumes After Emergency Rule, Tasks Fubara

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday reconvened for plenary, marking its first session since the expiration of the six-month state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu.

The sitting, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, held at the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt, comes just a day after Tinubu lifted emergency rule at midnight on September 17.

The emergency had been declared on March 18, 2025, following a constitutional impasse between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Assembly that crippled governance.

Before resumption, the outgone state administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, officially handed over to Governor Fubara and, in his farewell address, urged Rivers people to support the reinstated governor.

At Thursday’s plenary, the House passed two key resolutions: calling on Governor Fubara to immediately forward a list of Commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation, and urging him to initiate the process of drafting an Appropriation Law for the remainder of the year.

Speaker Amaewhule stressed that these steps are vital for stabilising governance and ensuring effective service delivery. Lawmakers say the resolutions are aimed at normalising the state’s administration and addressing urgent citizen needs after months of political turbulence.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the suspension and reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the Assembly, describing Tinubu’s actions as “unconstitutional, illegal, and a clear sign of dictatorship.”

Governor Fubara is yet to respond publicly to the House’s resolutions.

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Business

Dangote Refinery Rejects DAPPMAN’s ₦1.5trn Subsidy Demand

Published

11 hours ago

September 18, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Dangote Refinery rejects DAPPMAN ₦1.505 trillion subsidy demand

Refinery insists it will not absorb logistics costs as marketers push for annual discount; warns subsidy practices defrauded Nigeria for years.

Dangote Refinery has dismissed claims by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), insisting that it will not bow to pressure to fund a subsidy of more than ₦1.5 trillion annually.

In a statement issued yesterday, the refinery said the controversy with DAPPMAN stems from marketers’ demand for an annual subsidy of ₦1.505 trillion to cover coastal freight, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) charges, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) fees, and pumping costs. This, according to Dangote, would translate to an additional ₦75 per litre on petrol and diesel, which the marketers expect the refinery to absorb.

“We will not increase our gantry price to accommodate such demands, nor are we willing to pay a subsidy of over ₦1.5 trillion — a practice that historically defrauded the Federal Government,” the company said. “Marketers are free to lift products directly at our gantry and benefit from our logistics-free initiative.”

The refinery disclosed that it maintains a monthly closing stock of 500 million litres, adding that between June and September it exported 3.2 million metric tonnes of refined products. Over the same period, it alleged, marketers imported 3.6 million metric tonnes, describing the imports as “dumping” that undermines the economy and welfare of Nigerians.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery reaffirmed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms, noting that its operations are helping to stabilise the naira, cushion the effect of subsidy removal, strengthen Nigeria’s refining capacity, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create jobs.

The company stressed that it enjoys a strong working relationship with government agencies but will not hesitate to hold institutions accountable where necessary.

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News

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Warns Soludo, Ekwunife, Ukachukwu Over Toxic Anambra 2025 Campaigns

Published

17 hours ago

September 18, 2025

BONA NAIJA

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Warns Soludo, Ekwunife, Ukachukwu Over Toxic Anambra 2025 Campaigns

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has issued a stern warning to leading candidates in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election over what it described as “shameful propaganda and divisive politicking.”

Anambra 2025 election

The group expressed deep concern at the conduct of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his wife Mrs. Nnonye Soludo, APC candidate Evangelist Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate Senator Uche Ekwunife, accusing them of dragging Anambra politics into “a pit of insults, hate speech, and public bickering.”

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds Governor Soludo especially responsible for setting this toxic tone,” the statement read. “The exchange of vulgar attacks, including the altercations between Mrs. Soludo and Senator Ekwunife, is unbecoming of leaders and an affront to womanhood.”

While stressing its neutrality, Ohanaeze warned it may be forced to support a neutral candidate if the attacks persist. “Enough is enough. If this disgraceful charade continues, we will question the moral and ethical fitness of these candidates to govern Ndi Anambra,” the statement declared.

The body urged all candidates to return to issue-based campaigns, focusing on policies, development, and the future of the state rather than personal insults.

READ FULL TEXT

ANAMBRA 2025; STOP WASHING YOUR DIRTY LILIES OUTSIDE AND DISGRACEFUL CONTENT CREATIONS – OHANAEZE NDIGBO WARNS SOLUDO, WIFE, EKWUNIFE, AND UKACHUKWU

The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, hereby issues a stern rebuke against the abhorrent politicking, divisive rhetoric, and shameless propaganda currently orchestrated by the Anambra gubernatorial candidates. We call for an immediate cessation of this disreputable conduct and demand a resumption of issue-based political campaigns as we approach the Anambra State Governorship Elections on November 9, 2025.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels compelled by its foundational mission to address the unsettling behavior exhibited by prominent political figures, specifically targeting the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) gubernatorial candidate and current Anambra Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo; his wife, Nnonye Soludo; the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy gubernatorial candidate, Iyom Uche Ekwunife; and the APC gubernatorial candidate, Evangelist Nicholas Ukachukwu. This distressing trend of engendering hate speech and broadcasting calumnies not only tarnishes the collective image of the Igbo Nation but also represents a significant departure from the hallmark of dignity and respect that our people are known for.

The indignation felt by our tribe is profound as these once-respected political figures stagger embarrassingly into the public sphere, engaged in a sordid display of politicking that is captivating for all the wrong reasons. Their continuous descent into the vile pit of vulgarities and vituperations—aimed at each other’s political opponents—is unbecoming of esteemed individuals and demonstrates a blatant disregard for the cultural tenets of integrity and decorum that the Igbo people hold dear.

Without hesitation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly holds Governor Soludo accountable for instigating this repugnant campaign of slander against his political adversaries. It is our duty to urge him to refrain from resorting to derogatory slogans and mockery, which undermine the very fabric of decency that should underpin political discourse. We categorically condemn the egregious verbal attacks exchanged between Governor Soludo’s wife and Senator Uche Ekwunife; such disgraceful behavior constitutes a lamentable affront to both motherhood and womanhood, and, as leaders, they must rise above this pettiness.

While Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains politically neutral in the forthcoming elections and does not endorse any particular candidate, we must unequivocally state that should Governor Soludo, his wife Nnonye, APC candidate Ukachukwu, and his running mate Ekwunife persist in their unscrupulous campaign tactics, we will be compelled to reconsider our stance. We may have no choice but to advocate for a neutral gubernatorial candidate in the elections as a drastic measure to quell this shameful spectacle. It becomes evident that continued participation in such a disgraceful charade raises serious questions about the moral and ethical qualifications of these candidates to govern the people of Anambra State.

In closing, let it be said with unwavering clarity: enough is enough. We implore all involved to return to issue-based campaigns and preserve the dignity of Anambra politics.

**Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro**

Deputy President General

Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Chief Chinemeze Ohia

National Spokesman

Ohanaeze Ndigbo

17th September 2025

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