9th July, 2025.
Forgery scandal in Kogi’s handball leadership sparks national outrage and calls for urgent intervention
The troubling silence of the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports over the widely exposed forged reappointment letter of Mr. Jibril Ogih Saidu as Chairman of the Handball Association has deepened public concern and raised serious questions of credibility. Despite overwhelming evidence of manipulation involving an official document—complete with a falsified signature of the Director of Sports, Mr. Adejoh Akowe—the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Monday Anyebe, has refused to publicly clarify or disown the controversial letter. This deliberate inaction, at a time when the Ministry is expected to uphold transparency and accountability, suggests either institutional complicity or an alarming culture of silence and double standards.
Efforts to seek clarification from within the Ministry have only exposed more contradictions. The Ministry’s PRO has denied any such reappointment, and Mr. Akowe himself has also dissociated from the forged document. Yet, the Ministry remains mute, while Mr. Saidu continues to parade himself as chairman based on the falsified document. Even more disturbing is the fact that a petition has been lodged with the NSCDC, and instead of the forgers being called to question, a court summons is reportedly being prepared against the complainants—a move that reeks of intimidation, abuse of power, and suppression of whistleblowers.
Despite this mounting controversy, we are now informed that the Ministry of Sports is proceeding to inaugurate Mr. Jibril Saidu as the Handball Chairman of Kogi State, in defiance of public outcry and without addressing the allegations of forgery. This act not only undermines the integrity of sports administration in the state, but also signals to the public that impunity is being institutionalized. It appears that the sports sector is being hijacked by individuals who prioritize personal interest over legality, fairness, and the future of our youth.
However, we, the concerned stakeholders, will not allow this illegality to stand—not at the state level, and certainly not at the national level. We are already engaging the Nigeria Handball Federation (NHF) and other relevant national bodies to halt any recognition or acceptance of Mr. Saidu’s fraudulent appointment. The NHF must not legitimize an appointment founded on deception and forged documentation. Doing so would set a dangerous precedent that encourages corruption in the administration of sports across Nigeria.
We are resolute: We will not back down. We will not be silenced. We will not retreat. This is no longer just about handball—it is about the fight against corruption, forgery, and administrative sabotage. If this level of forgery can be swept under the carpet, and those who expose it are punished instead of the perpetrators, then the Kogi State sports system is indeed under siege from within.
Our Demands Remain Clear and Unchanged:
- An official statement from the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Monday Anyebe, disowning the forged reappointment and clarifying the Ministry’s position.
- A transparent and thorough investigation into the origin of the forged letter and those responsible.
- Immediate protection for all whistleblowers and concerned stakeholders who have acted in good faith.
- Disciplinary and legal action against anyone found complicit in the forgery and attempted cover-up.
Conclusion
No amount of intimidation, delay tactics, or political shielding will bury the truth. The Kogi sports sector belongs to the people—not to desperate individuals seeking to cling to expired influence through illegal means. We call on His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Nigeria Handball Federation, and all well-meaning Nigerians to take a stand and prevent this fraud from being legitimized at any level.
The battle for a cleaner, more transparent, and truly developmental sports sector in Kogi State has begun. We remain committed, united, and unshaken.
Signed:
Joseph Udale Waja
For Concerned Stakeholders for Sports Integrity in Kogi State
Date: 9th July 2025
