“Nigerian Messi” Amoo faces controversy as agency denies jail sentence, threatens legal action

Akinkunmi Amoo, the former Golden Eaglets winger who has recently been involved in a high-profile court case in Denmark, is now facing further developments in the ongoing saga.

Popularly known as the “Nigerian Messi,” Amoo was found guilty of indecent assault, attempted rape, and rape in a sexual relationship other than intercourse by a Danish court, resulting in a one-year jail sentence.

However, his Nigeria representative, UDE Sports Management Agency, has strongly reacted to the news, threatening legal action against Nigerian media outlets that disclosed Amoo’s name as the convict, disregarding the name ban imposed by the Danish court.

Chairman of UDE Sports Uche Dominic Egbukwu, expressed outrage and demanded an unreserved apology from the media outlets within 72 hours to avoid legal consequences.

Under the Nigerian Cybercrime Act 2015, publishing fake news is considered a punishable offense with a minimum penalty of three years.

On Friday, June 23, 2023, the Danish court delivered an unconditional one-year prison sentence, accompanied by deportation from Denmark and a six-year ban from reentering the country.

However, UDE Sports vehemently denied the accuracy of the reports, asserting that Amoo was still training with his club, FC Copenhagen.

Egbukwu stated, “I have spoken to my player and his club officials, and they have confirmed to me that the news about his conviction and jail sentence is not the correct narrative. He is presently training with the club.” He also mentioned that an appeal has been filed, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the case.

He further expressed disappointment with the Nigerian media for spreading what he considers false narratives, highlighting the name ban in the Danish press as the reason for Amoo’s inability to provide an official statement.

In addition, the player’s elder brother Sunday Amoo, also debunked the report of Akinkunmi being sentenced to prison, clarifying that he is not incarcerated and is scheduled to resume training after recovering from an injury.

According to Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet, the verdict was delivered on June 23, 2023, by a dissenting magistrate in the Copenhagen District Court.

Amoo’s arrest took place on September 10, 2022, and he was released on bail on October 7. The trial, which received significant media attention due to Amoo’s football prowess, spanned most of June.

As the sentence was announced, Amoo was reportedly visibly shaken in the courtroom as he received an unconditional one-year prison sentence.

Despite objections from Ekstra Bladet, the name ban in the case was extended due to the appeal filed by the defense and the convicted party.

Amoo’s appeal will provide an opportunity for a higher court to review and reevaluate the case.