Following the suspension of Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) President, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah (rtd.), by the International Boxing Association (IBA), the NBF Vice President, Mr. Azania Omo-Agege has stepped in as the interim president.
According to Ajasa News, the Boxing Independent Integrity Unit’s (BIIU) tribunal acting under its authority and in adherence to the IBA Constitution and Disciplinary and Ethics Code decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Minimah from all boxing activities for a period of ninety (90) days.
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The decision by IBA comes in the wake of alleged serious allegations leveled against Mr. Minimah, including breaches of Article 5.2 of the IBA Membership Policy, Article 11.1(h) of the IBA Constitution, Article 15 (Violation of Constitution and Regulations), Article 20 (Disparagement of IBA’s Reputation and Interests), Article 41 (Participation in other international boxing associations or organizations), and Article 46 (Abuse of Position) of the IBA Disciplinary and Ethics Code.
The complaint filed by IBA highlighted Mr. Minimah’s alleged role in leading the Nigeria Boxing Federation to affiliate with another international boxing organization, breaching the IBA Constitution, Membership Policy, and Disciplinary and Ethics Code. Additionally, concerns were raised about Mr. Minimah’s continued exercise of powers as a de facto president after the expiration of his term, as reported by the Vice President of NBF, Mr. Azania Omo-Angege.
In response to these serious allegations, the Boxing Independent Integrity Unit’s Tribunal, under the chairmanship of Malek Badri, opened disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Minimah on 2nd November 2023. The former president was given five days to respond to the allegations; however, no response was submitted within the specified timeframe.
The emergence of Mr. Azania Omo-Agege during this transitional period according to a statement by NBF is aimed at ensuring the continuity and integrity of the Nigeria Boxing Federation during the ongoing investigation.
The Nigeria Boxing Federation also expressed its commitment toward upholding the principles of fair play, integrity, and transparency within the sport. While also noting that the Federation stands united in its pursuit of excellence and will cooperate fully with the ongoing disciplinary proceedings.-