Dokpesi in fresh trouble over ‘N8bn FG payment’

Fresh charges might be filed against Raymond Dokpesi, founder of Daar Communication, in the days ahead, as the federal government is investigating an allegation of N8.4billion which he allegedly collected for airing the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria in 2012. Rotimi Jacobs, counsel of the federal government, revealed this at a federal high court in Abuja on Thursday during the hearing of the bail application sought by Dokpesi, who is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Jacobs said that although Dokpesi claimed that FIFA granted his company the airing, the federal government was not a party to the contract. “Here is a man, who in 2012, collected over N8 billion for the contract for airing of the Under-17 World Cup organised by FIFA,” Jacob had said. “Nigeria was not part of the contract agreement with FIFA, yet, this applicant collected the huge sum from the treasury of this country. “Again, let me say here that Nigeria is bleeding and it is the duty of everybody, including judges in court, to ensure that we fight and put an end to corrupt tendencies in this country.” Mike Ozekhome, Dokpesi’s lawyer faulted the argument of Jacobs, seeking that the judge grants his client bail on self-recognition. Ozekhome ruled out the possibility of Dokpesi jumping bail on the grounds that his family members are based in the country and he also has businesses in Nigeria. He said his client was due to go abroad for medical check-up. In his ruling, Gabriel Kolawole, the judge, ordered that Dokpesi should remain in detention till Monday. The EFCC has arraigned Dokpesi on a six-count charge of alleged corruption and money laundering.