EXPOSED: How ICPC ‘Indicted’ Shehu Dikko, His Past ‘Sins’ Catches Up With Him After Appointment As National Sports Commission Chairman

Controversies have continued to trail the recent appointment of Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC). His appointment has sparked intense debate, with many questioning his suitability for the plum job.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that this is coming as a publication from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) dated September 16, 2019, has surfaced, revealing a notice of seizure of Dikko’s properties due to allegations of corruption.

The properties include a mansion in Maitama, Abuja, and plots of land in Kaduna and Utako.

ICPC, in its investigation had found Dikko’s properties to be excessive considering his income and circumstances.

Chairman of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria’s Board of Trustees, Prince Harrison Jalla who had earlier raised the alarm about the appointment, said that the latest development raises concerns about Dikko’s integrity and ability to lead the NSC effectively.

He said; “The baggage of a man priding himself as the sole administrator of the National Sports Commission (NSC), advocating a personal vision over the corporate vision outlined in Section 3 (1), (2), and (3) as the functions of the Commission under the National Sports Commission (Establishment) Act 2023, is substantial.

“Attached is a publication from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) dated 16th September 2019. Extracted from the notice is as follows:

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“Notice of Seizure of Movable and Immovable Properties Pursuant to Section 45 (4) (a)-(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

“Whereas the Commission is investigating a matter involving Shehu Adamu Dikko of No. 1 River Benue Street, Maitama, Abuja, where certain immovable properties owned by Shehu Adamu Dikko are at issue;

“And whereas the Commission believes, based on the aforesaid investigation, that the immovable properties owned by Shehu Adamu Dikko are excessive in regard to his income and relevant circumstances.

“The Commission hereby notifies the public that the following immovable properties owned, controlled, or managed by Shehu Adamu Dikko—whether by himself or through attorneys, agents, or proxies—are seized:

1. Mansion located at No. 1 River Benue Street, Maitama, Abuja.

2. Plot No. 1276 in Cadastral Zone B06, Mabushi, with Right of Occupancy dated 27/04/2007, File No. KD22878.

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3. House No. 10 Ohikere Road, GRA Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna.

4. Plot No. 669 in Cadastral Zone B05, Utako, with Right of Occupancy dated 26/03/2006, File No. KD21141.

“The Commission shall serve this notice on the land ministries, departments, and offices in the states where the properties are situated.”*

“This publication was duly signed by Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, the former Chairman of the ICPC. Notably, Dikko is not alone in this seizure; his former principal, Ahmed Yusuf, and Mohammed Sanusi were also implicated. Those who believe they can brush aside these allegations by allegedly compromising anti-graft agencies are wasting their time. Whistleblowers are protected by the Whistleblower Act and federal whistleblowing policies. Justice may be slow, but it will be served.

“It seems that the order of the day in Nigerian sports is to misappropriate funds and get promoted to the next level.

“More to come”, Prince Jalla reiterated.

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Recall that some groups have rejected Dikko’s appointment, citing concerns about his past and the ongoing corruption allegations.

However, others have expressed confidence in his ability to lead the NSC, including Amaju Pinnick, a former NFF president and Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, who believes Dikko has what it takes to succeed.

Despite the controversy, Dikko has received support from some stakeholders, including the organizers of the Okpekpe international 10km road race, who described his appointment as the best in the history of sports administration in Nigeria. The Chairman of the House Committee on Sports has also assured Dikko of support from the National Assembly.

But Jalla, questioned the basis of Dikko’s appointment, whom he said allegedly have poor track record, including allegations of “corruption, criminal diversion, misappropriation and theft” hanging on his neck.

He said that Dikko was reportedly removed as LMC chairman in 2022 after 11 years, and the Nigeria Professional Football League had to be rescued by the federal government.

Jalla, said that Dikko’s tenure at the LMC brought the Nigerian league to “disrepute and low ebb with so many flaws and anomalies”.

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According to Jalla, sports in general is heading for another disaster with the appointment of “such a person”.