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By Akeem Busari
The recent attempt by some politically motivated blogs and actors to sensationalise the alleged invitation and interrogation of the President of the Kogi State Basketball Association and founder of the Confluence Kings, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, by the EFCC is unfortunate, irresponsible and clearly agenda driven.
Beyond the obvious desperation to create controversy, what should concern real stakeholders is the dangerous tendency to use media platforms as weapons to attack individuals who have truly invested their personal resources, time and influence in the growth of Nigerian basketball.
Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi has contributed immensely to the development of basketball in Nigeria. His commitment to youth empowerment, grassroots basketball and talent development is visible from Kogi to Kano and beyond. Through his efforts and support of basketball facilities, countless young Nigerians have found opportunity, visibility, discipline and hope through sports.
Whether through grassroots competitions, club basketball development or support of national basketball initiatives, Dr. Mustapha has consistently proven himself to be a committed stakeholder in the advancement of the game in Nigeria.
This is why it is disappointing to see some individuals celebrate mere accusations and speculative narratives as if guilt has already been established.
Nigeria remains a democratic society governed by law and the principle of innocent until proven guilty must apply to every citizen, regardless of politics, ambition or personal differences. Invitations or engagements with agencies such as the EFCC do not constitute convictions. Public officials, entrepreneurs and administrators are regularly invited every day for clarifications and questions throughout the country.
Unfortunately, some desperate actors within basketball politics have now chosen the path of sponsored propaganda, smear campaigns and media manipulation in an attempt to undermine perceived rivals ahead of the 2026 NBBF elections.
The article written by Maxwell Kumoye clearly exposed the political undertones behind the narrative, especially the hasty attempt to link an unverified situation to the future of the Nigeria Basketball Federation leadership race.
This style of journalism does not help Nigerian basketball. It only deepens division, encourages bitterness and damages the image of the sport globally.
The current leadership of the NBBF under Eng. Ahmadu Musa Kida continues to enjoy the trust of key stakeholders including FIBA, the National Sports Commission, corporate partners and many genuine basketball stakeholders due to the stability, visibility and international respect that Nigerian basketball has achieved in recent years.
Rather than focusing on growth, youth development, sponsorship, infrastructure and player pathways, some individuals seem obsessed with politics, artificial crises and personal revenge.
Basketball in Nigeria deserves better.
Stakeholders must reject the politics of hate, reject propaganda masquerading as journalism, and refuse to allow personal ambition to destroy collectively achieved progress.
More importantly, celebrating allegations against fellow Nigerians simply because of political calculations is morally wrong and dangerous. Wishing for the downfall of others out of selfish ambition is not leadership, it is not journalism and it is certainly not patriotism.
Nigerian basketball must overcome the bitterness and continue moving forward.
