BREAKING: Gombe AFN Chairman Sues National Sports Commission, Athletics Federation, Officials Over “Illegal” Congresses

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.

Others reliefs sought include: "A Declaration that by the constitution of the 2nd Defendant, particularly Article 5(5.2,5.5,5.6.5.7) and all relevant provisions of the Constitution, removal of the plaintiff from the WhatsApp group of the association which is the major communication platform of the 2nd Defendant is a breach of his right as a member and chairman of the 2nd Defendant representing the Gombe state Chapter, and all the members of the 2nd Defendant, Gombe State Chapter, that he represents.

"A Declaration that asking members to pay Affiliation fees into private account of an unknown individual for an association as big as the 2nd Defendant is irresponsible, not in compliance with the Constitution and shows absolute Lack of transparency.

"A Declaration that it is against the constitution of the 2nd defendant to organize Congresses and include Member states, without well constituted Board Members, Chairmen and Secretaries as enshrined in constitution of the 2nd defendant.

"An order of court mandating the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants to immediately reinstate the Plaintiff into the WhatsApp Group of the 2nd Defendant.

"An order of perpetual injunction restraining 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants, their agents, servants, privies or successors howsoever called forthwith from further unjustly removing the Plaintiff from the WhatsApp group or any channel for passing information by the 2nd Defendant except it is done in compliance with the constitution of the 2nd Defendant.

"An order of court mandating the Defendants to comply with the Constitution of the 2nd Defendant as per Congress and elections, and stay of all actions concerning the election until there is absolute Compliance with the Constitution of the 2nd Defendant.

"An order of court mandating the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Defendants to submit the Bank Account details, and Detailed statement of Account of all affiliations and subscription fees received within the Last five years.

"An order of court Mandating the 2nd to 4th Defendant to provide and publish a detailed nominal role of Board members of all affiliated Member states, including, their names, Email, Phone Numbers and addresses and send same to Chairmen of member states within 30 days."