By SCM REPORTER I Monday, January 26.26
A DISGRACED former football chief, Fouad Oki has been warned he faces a lengthy stint in the slammer if convicted of siphoning off thousands from the beautiful game.
Fouad Oki, the ex-chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), is currently “on the dodge” after failing to appear at the Lagos State High Court on Monday. But while he may have stalled the trial, the grim reality of Nigeria’s strict anti-corruption laws is waiting for him.
Oki and his firm, Eko-Akete Engineering & Construction Company Ltd, are staring down the barrel of a two-count charge of stealing and abuse of office.
According to the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), the penalties for such crimes are no slap on the wrist:
JAIL TIME: Under Section 287 of the law, anyone found guilty of stealing—specifically the dishonest conversion of ₦33,105,000 (approx. £15,000)—could face years in a prison cell.
PUBLIC SHAME: Under Section 73(2), Oki faces further punishment for “abuse of office” after allegedly using his chairman’s seat to authorize the dodgy cash transfer for his own personal gain.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is losing patience. Prosecutor Mohammed Abbas told the court that Oki has been “evading” his arraignment despite being served with the charges.
The prosecution is now filing “necessary applications” to compel the footy boss to surrender.
Legal experts say that by dodging court, Oki could be digging an even deeper hole for himself before the trial even begins.
Justice Olubukola Okunnuga has pushed the matter to April 14, 2026.
This gives the EFCC a window to hunt down the defendants and bring them to the dock by force if necessary.
The charge, signed by top prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, SAN, alleges Oki plundered the association’s coffers between July and August 2023—leaving the local football community demanding justice.
