NFF releases statement on LMC chairman, Shehu Dikko arrests

The Nigeria Football Federation has released a statement condemning the action of four men who paraded themselves as police detectives and invaded the office of the NFF'S League management company on Wednesday to arrest  the LMC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko (also NFF 2nd Vice President) and its COO, Alhaji Salihu Abubakar based on a Jos High court order.

Read the statement from the Federation's website, theNff.com below...

It has come to the notice of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that on Wednesday, 21st September 2016, 4 (four) persons who introduced themselves as detectives from the FCT Police Command went to the office of the League Management Company (LMC) ostensibly to arrest its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko (also NFF 2nd Vice President) and its COO, Alhaji Salihu Abubakar, allegedly pursuant to a Jos High Court order in flagrant abuse of the time honoured decorum of our judicial system where the Orders of the lower courts stand suspended when an appeal has been entered in a higher court and an application for Stay of Execution duly filed.'

'The time has come for all peace loving and law abiding Nigerians to stand up against the continued intimidation of private citizens and institutions using both fabricated and/or void court orders as well as people whose status as police officers raises doubt.'

'The entire football family has raised its voice time and again against those plotting to derail our football by using unwarranted and dubious litigation. We at the NFF as custodians of Nigerian Football and Licensors of the Nigeria Professional Football League reiterate the condemnation of the actions of these charlatans whose interest is contrary to the interest of Nigerian Football and indeed Nigeria. We remain steadfast in our support of the LMC and its officials and we will continue our quest for justice and ensure that Football is the winner at the end of this ugly incident.'

'We ask that all clubs, club officials, league officials, football business entrepreneurs and indeed the millions of Nigerian Football Fans whose interests are affected by this brigandage should remain calm and rest assured that both the NFF and the LMC are taking all necessary steps not only to expose and end this continued fraud on our football but to once and for all expose the mafia behind the attempted rape of our collective will.'

'As a Federation, we fully understand the dynamics and intrigues of Football Laws and Civil Laws and how we relate with both.'