The Chairman of the Gombe State chapter of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Mr. Ahmed Gombe Shuaibu Gara, has filed a lawsuit against the National Sports Commission, AFN, its President, Chief Tonobok Ojuru Okowa, and Secretary, Mr. Israel Inwang.

Tonobok Okowa is former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa’s brother.

According to the Writ of Summons filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja with Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/940/2025, Gara is challenging the legality of congresses held on April 10, 2025, and December 14, 2024, claiming they were conducted without compliance with the AFN Constitution.

Gara, in the suit filed through his lawyer, W. S. Bako Esq., is seeking several declarations and orders, including a declaration that the congresses were illegal, an order for his reinstatement into the AFN WhatsApp group, and an order for compliance with the AFN Constitution regarding congresses and elections.

He also wants the court to order the defendants to submit bank account details and statements, as well as publish a detailed nominal role of board members.

The defendants are required to enter an appearance within 30 days, failing which Gara may proceed with the suit, and judgment may be given in their absence.

Gara’s lawyer, Bako, cited specific provisions of the AFN Constitution that were allegedly not complied with, including Articles 5 and 10.

Listed as the Defendants in the suit are – National Sports Commission, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tonobok Ojuru Okowa and Mr. Isreal Inwang (as the 1st to 4th Defendants respectively).

The Claimant, sought among others: “A declaration that the congresses held on the 10th of April 2025 and 14th December 2024, in Bayelsa and Delta State, respectively, and all other congresses held afterwards, are illegal, and all decisions taken or made, and those yet to be taken after the said congresses as a consequence of the Congresses, by the defendants or anybody in respect of the 2nd Defendant are null, void and inconsequential.”

Gara avowed that the Congresses were held not in compliance with the constitution of the 2nd Defendant (AFN), citing specifically, Article 10 (10.14, 10.15, 10.1.7, 10.4.1) and all relevant provisions of the Constitution.

Culled Sahara Reporters