Rampaging fans inside the Abuja stadium causing mayhem as police fire tear gas
FG sets up 9-man panel to probe Nigeria/Ghana post-match violence, condoles with Zambia over death of FIFA/CAF official
Federal Government has set up a 9-man panel to investigate the mayhem and fans’ pitch invasion which engulfed the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja venue of the Nigeria/Ghana FIFA 2022 World Cup Africa qualifier, last Tuesday.
Inaugurating the panel in Abuja, Thursday, the Minister of Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, said those identified and indicted in the probe for their part in the destruction of stadium property will be prosecuted.
“Nigerians must stop destroying government property. Anyone identified to be culpable in acts of vandalism at the national stadium will be prosecuted by the FG. This must stop.
‘The willful destruction of Government property across the country is unacceptable and must be condemned.
“I am giving this assurance that the necessary steps will be taken to deal with the issues that have led to Nigeria’s inability to qualify. All I am asking for now is patience from millions of Nigerians.” Dare said.
Members of the Investigative Panel to look into the post-match vandalisation and destruction of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja include: DIG Sanni Usman (rtd) as Chairman; Dr. Henry Nzekwu – Vice Chairman; Navy Commodore Omatseye (rtd); Alhaji Abba Yola; and Dr. Simon Ebhojiaye, Director Federations and Elite Athletes Department of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Others are: Mrs. Tayo Oreweme; Mr. Mitchell Obi; Representative of the Director-General, Department of State Security (DSS); and Olumide Bamiduro of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports will serve as secretary.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, condoled with the Zambian Government over the death of anti-doping official of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) who slumped inside the MKO Stadium in Abuja after the Nigeria/Ghana World Cup qualification match, and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The condolence letter is the first official confirmation of the incident which occurred last Tuesday night.
The letter signed by Mrs. Francisca Omayuli, the Spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with reference No. MFA/PR/2022/14, said the deceased identified as Dr Joseph Kabungo, a Zambian national, who was the FIFA/CAF Doping Control Officer for the playoff match, died of cardiac arrest, according to Foreign Affairs statement.
“He fell ill just after the match, as he began gasping for breath and was found by some officials near the Visiting Team’s dressing room. Medic tied to stabilize him before being rushed to the cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja where he was pronounced dead.
“May his soul rest in peace,” the statement read.
