New Sanctions Loom for Oshodi and Former Judo Board Members

The Nigeria Judo Federation's Caretaker Committee is looking to impose new sanctions on the old board led by Dr Musa Oshodi. This could mean a suspension of up to five years for some members. They also raised questions about their eligibility for the upcoming General Assembly, according to The PUNCH.

The committee, working under the National Sports Commission's direction, shared this information in a statement on Wednesday. The notice is dated October 21, 2026, and it was sent to state associations, athletes, coaches, referees, technical officials, and other interested parties.

This notice includes the former president, the first and second vice presidents, six zonal representatives, the athletes’ representative, and the technical representative. The committee mentioned that each person's eligibility would be checked based on the federation’s rules, electoral regulations, and any valid disciplinary actions.

The committee listed several reasons for the review. These include claims of not following the commission’s governance rules, misunderstanding institutional independence, and allegedly spreading false statements about the official end of the former board. They also pointed to possible breaches of fiduciary and administrative duties.

On the issue of the database, the committee stated, “Serious concerns have been raised regarding the alleged registration of persons without genuine judo affiliation or sporting credentials on the official IJF database, reportedly for purposes connected with international sporting participation and visa applications.”

They said any claims of visa fraud, forgery, human trafficking, or similar crimes should go to the proper investigative bodies. The committee added that no one should be seen as a criminal based on just an allegation.

Regarding suspensions, the committee mentioned that if any former board member is found guilty of serious misconduct after a fair disciplinary process, they could face penalties. “Any former Board member found, following a fair and properly authorised disciplinary process, to have committed serious misconduct be referred to the competent authority for consideration of appropriate sanctions, which may include suspension from eligible NJF governance and electoral activities for a period of up to five (5) years, where permitted by the applicable statutes and regulations,” the notice said.

They made it clear that this proposal is not final. “For the avoidance of doubt, a proposed sanction shall not be treated as a final five-year ban unless and until it has been validly imposed by the authority empowered to do so,” the notice added.

Concerning the elections, the committee stated, “No person shall be permitted to participate contrary to a valid electoral disqualification or disciplinary decision, and no individual shall be excluded without a lawful basis.”

The committee also cautioned stakeholders against harassment, intimidation, and spreading false information. They urged everyone to use the proper channels for complaints. Legitimate complaints and reporting of wrongdoing are allowed.

Sheriff Hammed, the committee's chair, explained that their role is transitional. “This process is not intended to target any individual or faction. It is intended to ensure accountability, fairness, transparency and respect for the rules governing Nigerian judo,” the notice stated.

The National Sports Commission approved this committee on October 9 after the International Judo Federation dissolved the federation’s board. They are responsible for changing the constitution, holding an Annual General Meeting, and organizing elections.