Reports in the United Kingdom have it that ex-Super Eagles skipper, Austin Okocha, has appeared in court in Scotland facing money laundering charges.
Jay-Jay as he is fondly called was said to have faced two charges in the hearing, which was done behind-closed-doors at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Friday.
One charge was related to alleged acquisition, use and possession of criminal property and the other related to allegedly concealing, disguising, converting and transferring criminal property.
This is in addition to the running battle he is having with the Lagos State Government where he is being dragged to court for tax evasion. He is, however, yet to appear in court despite two bench warrants issued on him by a court.
It is understood that he made no plea during the hearing in Scotland and was granted bail. His general address was given as Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. No date has yet been fixed for his next court appearance.
The alleged incidents were said to have occurred in the north-east of Scotland in 2015.It was learnt that police began an investigation in 2015 which spanned two years before charges were brought against the 45-year-old and six others – five of whom are alleged to have carried out fraud related to north-east businesses.
In his playing days, “football magician”, made 124 appearances in the English Premier League scoring 14 goals for Bolton Wanderers. He also scored 14 times for Nigeria in 73 appearances. He starred in three World Cups for Nigeria in 1994, 1998 and 2002.
The attacking midfielder moved from Fenerbahce in Turkey to Paris Saint-Germain in 1998 for a transfer fee of 12.4 million euros.
He also played for Hull City in the English Championship before retiring after the 2008/09 season.
