The Zone 16 Command of the Nigerian Police Force has commenced a full-scale investigation following a petition submitted by a prominent sports stakeholder, Mr. Ebyzzymore Numa. The petition alleges fraudulent activities at the Asoama Fusion Sports Academy located in Asoama, within the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to a reliable source within the police force, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Tolani Alausa, has ordered a comprehensive probe into the allegations. The directive was issued shortly after Mr. Numa formally submitted his petition, raising serious concerns over financial misappropriation and threats to his life.
Mr. Numa, in his petition, specifically accused the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Daniel Baralatei Igali, of being complicit in the alleged misappropriation of funds at the sports academy. He further alleged that since raising the alarm, he has received multiple death threats via SMS from unknown individuals whom he believes were sent by associates of the Commissioner.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police operatives reportedly visited the premises of the Asoama Fusion Sports Academy in Asoama to gather preliminary evidence and conduct interviews with staff and key stakeholders.
Efforts to reach Mr. Numa for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. His current whereabouts remain unknown, heightening concerns for his safety given the nature of his allegations.
The Niger Delta Herald will continue to monitor developments on this unfolding story as the police investigation progresses.
It would be recalled that Mr. Numa had also alleged in his petition amongst other things which, he wanted that “the EFCC and ICPC to investigate and prosecute Daniel Igali, Commissioner of Sports Development all contractor awarded contract in the sport ministry in Bayelsa State, for alleged corrupt practices and misconduct. Allegations against Daniel Igali all contractor awarded these contracts. MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS: Igali is accused of mismanaging funds allocated to the Asoama Fusion Sports Academy, a project initiated by the Bayelsa State Government to promote sports development. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Igali denied being a director of Dynamite Construction Company, but records show he is indeed a director, raising concerns about his involvement in awarding contracts to the company. SENATORIALS STADIUM FRAUD: Igali is accused of embezzling funds meant for the construction of senatorial stadiums in Bayelsa State. NON-PAYMENT OF MATCH BONUSES*: Igali’s administration is accused of failing to pay match bonuses to athletes, resulting in a backlog of debts. LEGAL TRANSFER OF PLAYERS: Igali’s administration is accused of transferring players without remitting the necessary fees to government coffers. SUBSTANDARD INSTALLATION OF LANDSCAPING GRASS: Igali’s administration installed low-quality landscaping grass at the Samson Siasia Complex, which is unsuitable for football. AWARD OF CONTRACTS WITHOUT DUE PROCESS: Igali’s administration is accused of awarding contracts without following the necessary procedures.
“We urge the EFCC and ICPC to: 1. Conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations. 2. Freeze all assets and accounts linked to Daniel Igali. 3. Prosecute Daniel Igali for any crimes uncovered during the investigation.
“As the Commissioner of Sports Development and former representative house committee on sports in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Daniel Igali is indeed accountable to the people of Bayelsa for the abandoned projects. It’s imperative that he ensures all companies awarded contracts are registered and active, as required by law. Failure to comply should result in penalties for violating the rules.
“Some of the projects in question include: ASOAMA FUSION SPORTS ACADEMY ABANDONED PROJECTS: Igali’s administration has been accused of mismanaging funds allocated to this project. SENATORIALS STADIUM: There are allegations of embezzlement of funds meant for the construction of senatorial stadiums in Bayelsa State. SAMSON SIIASIA COMPLEX: The installation of low-quality landscaping grass at the complex has raised concerns about Igali’s administration’s commitment to quality.
“To address these concerns, Igali should:
– Provide a detailed update on the status of these projects
– Disclose the contractors awarded these contracts
– Ensure that all companies awarded contracts are registered and active
– Face penalties for any violations of the law
“The people of Bayelsa deserve transparency and accountability from their elected officials.
We believe that this petition is in the best interest of justice, transparency, and accountability in Bayelsa State.”
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