Ex Nigeria U20 captain Daniel Daga has been cleared off the allegations of sexual assault which halted his career progression with Norwegian side Molde, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Daga joined the team over a year ago, and was handed indefinite suspension when the matter of sexual assault started. The club confirmed the issue with an official statement.
“This is a serious matter, and we take the charges very seriously. These types of cases are extremely demanding for everyone involved”, Molde chairman Odd Ivar Moen said.
The legal team of the 18 year old Nigerian however strongly denied wrongdoing. His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the midfielder acknowledges a sexual encounter occurred but insists it was consensual.
“My client does not plead guilty and believes he has done nothing illegal,” Bolstad said.
“There is no suspicion of violence or threats. He looks forward to having the case heard in court so he can clear his name.”
In a recent statement released by the club earlier today, they confirmed that the 19 year old is now free to return to the squad of the team, after he was found not guilty by an appeal court.
“Daniel Daga has been unanimously acquitted in the criminal case that has been heard by the Frostating Court of Appeal. Molde FK takes note of the verdict, even though the verdict is not yet final”, a statement on their website reads.
– We have today received information about the Court of Appeal’s ruling. This has been a demanding period for everyone involved, and we want to approach it with respect and consideration for everyone who has been affected, says CEO Vegard Storvik.
Daniel Martins
