SARS ‘arrest’ Maigari, Green

The Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) Wednesday morning picked up top Nigeria Football Federation bigwigs Alhaji Aminu Maigari and Barrister Chris Green for undisclosed reasons.

Maigari and Green were released from the custody of the State Security Service only on Tuesday night after their invitation for questioning earlier in the day.

Now, the duo are with SARS for reasons we are yet to establish but a source close to the Glass House believes it is not unconnected to the latest drama that has engulfed the football house.

“We don’t specifically know why they were arrested but one can safely assume it is connected to the last NFF congress and the earlier financial impropriety leveled against Maigari-led NFF board before he was impeached,” the source said.

Meanwhile, on the insistence of Nigerian sports minister Tammy Danagogo and electoral committee chairman Amoni Biambo, the NFF congress was finally staged on Tuesday evening at the Chida Hotel in Abuja.

In the absence of Maigari who was to preside over the general assembly, those present elected Chris Giwa as President.

The proprietor of Giwa FC of Jos polled 27 votes, while Mike Umeh got just two votes.

Obinna Ogba returned as the vice president after polling 29 votes. Those expected to contest against him were absent from the venue.

About 30 state FA Chairmen missed the congress as they joined in solidarity with the arrested Maigari in the office of the SSS.

While Ogba was seen at the Glass House Thursday to resume work, President Giwa and other new board members, a source disclosed, are about meeting Danagogo for ‘endorsement’.

“Ogba resumed today but Giwa, who is the minister’s anointed candidate and his fellow coup plotters, are meeting with Danagogo for endorsement and blessing,” the source said.

Efforts to reach the minister and Patrick Omorodion, his media assistant, for their own side of the story proved abortive.