By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Former Flying Eagles midfielder Daniel Daga has been discharged and acquitted of allegations of rape and sexual misconduct after a Norwegian appeal court overturned his earlier conviction.
Daga, who plays for Norwegian club Molde FC, was initially convicted by a lower court panel of three judges, where a majority found him guilty and handed him a six-month prison sentence.
However, following an appeal, a seven-member appellate court unanimously ruled in his favour, clearing him of all allegations.
A source close to the player described the verdict as “a welcome relief,” saying justice had finally prevailed.
“The earlier trial was decided by three judges, with two finding him guilty. We appealed the judgment, and after the appeal was heard on June 25 and 26, the seven appeal court judges unanimously found him not guilty,” the source said.
According to the source, the ruling completely exonerates Daga of all allegations of rape and sexual misconduct.
The verdict also clears the way for the midfielder to resume his professional career, with Molde FC reportedly inviting him to rejoin the team following the court’s decision.
The ruling marks the end of a high-profile legal battle that had temporarily stalled the promising Nigerian footballer’s career.
