05/07/2025
The attention of concerned stakeholders in Kogi State sports development has been drawn to a falsified appointment letter currently circulating online, allegedly issued by the Kogi State Sports Council and dated 11th June 2025, appointing Mr. Jibril Ogih Sandi as the Chairman of the Handball Association.
We categorically state that the letter is a product of fraudulent manipulation, laced with inconsistencies and deliberate attempts to deceive the public and the government.
Key Observations and Red Flags:
1. Contradictory and Illogical Timing
According to verifiable records, the submission of candidates for reconstituted sports associations was slated for 17th to 19th June 2025. The letter in question is dated 11th June 2025, which predates the official nomination window, making the appointment null, baseless, and procedurally impossible.
2. Visible Signs of Forgery
A close inspection of the document reveals clear doctoring with blue and black pens. Critical fields like the name of the appointee and position were manually inserted on a typed template — a practice entirely inconsistent with authentic state-issued documents. This points undeniably to forgery.
3. Official Denial by Ministry of Sports
A call placed to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sani, confirmed that neither the Commissioner for Sports nor the Ministry is aware of any such reappointment of Mr. Jibril Ogih Sandi. He further clarified that the Ministry is yet to release the list of approved appointments for any sporting associations.
4. Violation of Reconciliation Agreements
It is on record that following internal tensions, the leadership and members of the Handball Association were reconciled at the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports in October 2024. It was agreed that a new phase of unity and renewal should begin. Unfortunately, Mr. Jibril and his loyalists have disregarded this peaceful resolution, acting in defiance of constituted authority and undermining the Commissioner’s reconciliatory efforts.
5. Tenure Elapsed – No Legacy Left Behind
Mr. Jibril has already served two full tenures (six years) as Chairman of the Handball Association. Under his leadership, handball activities virtually collapsed across Kogi State. No competitions, no youth engagement, and no developmental strides were recorded. His tenure was marked by stagnation and neglect — a fact widely acknowledged by stakeholders and grassroots players.
Our Position
We call on all sports-loving individuals, bodies, and stakeholders in Kogi State and beyond to rise in strong condemnation of this brazen act of desperation, forgery, and disloyalty. The attempt to impose failed leadership on the Handball Association — using fake documents and false narratives — is not only a slap on the face of progress but a direct assault on the integrity of sports administration in the state.
The sports sector in Kogi deserves leaders with fresh ideas, honest intent, and a vision for growth, not recycled individuals driven by personal interest and political manipulation.
Conclusion
We urge the Kogi State Government, particularly the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to launch a thorough investigation into this forgery and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Let this serve as a deterrent to others who may contemplate similar acts in the future.
Signed,
Idowu Peterson,
Concerned Stakeholders for Sports Integrity in Kogi State
Date: 5th July 2025
