Former Super Eagles defender, Efetobore Peter Sodje, simply known as Efe Sodje has been incarcerated for fraud. The ex-footballer was jailed alongside his two brothers; Stephen and Bright.
We gathered that the Sodje brothers were using their family foundation, the Sodje Sports Foundation (SSF) to siphon money from unsuspecting individuals.
However, according to a National Crime Agency investigation, the brothers siphoned over £60,000 given to the foundation. Sources made us to understand that Sodje and his brothers have been jailed since September 2018.
Meanwhile,
Efe who is the founder of the Foundation, was given 18 months jail term. His brothers; Bright and Stephen were jailed for 21 months and two years and six months respectively as their prison sentences.The Judge, Michael Topolski, said;
“All three of these defendants in various ways exploited their own and their families’ reputation, not only for the benefit of the poor children of the Niger-Delta but also for their own benefit.”
“In this case, the defendants were all well-known and respected men, particularly in the world of football and sport both here and in Africa. One had the honour of playing for his country in the World Cup final.”
“I have no doubt to some extent at least it was that form of respect that made it possible or more likely that their fans and admirers would make donations to the charity that had been formed by them in their name.”
“Any good works done in the past by the charity will be forever tainted by their dishonest and disreputable conduct.”
For those who don’t know, Efe Sodje represented Nigeria in the 2000 African Cup of Nations and the 2002 World Cup. He began his career at Stevenage Borough and later played for Luton Town, Colchester United, Crewe Alexandra, Huddersfield Town, Yeovil Town, Southend United, Gillingham, Bury, Barrow and Macclesfield Town in two spells.