Tiger Eye PI Rejects Nyantakyi’s Claims on Number 12 Exposé – Key Facts and Analysis

Introduction

On January 6, 2026, Tiger Eye Private Investigations (PI) issued a strong rebuttal to former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi’s recent statements regarding the “Number 12” undercover investigation. Nyantakyi, who was implicated in the 2018 exposé, claimed that the documentary caused him “irreparable damage.” In response, Tiger Eye PI dismissed these allegations as misleading and a distortion of the facts. This article examines the controversy, clarifies the timeline, and explains why the organization stands by its investigative work.

Key Points

Background

The Number 12 Investigation

In June 2018, Tiger Eye PI released “Number 12: When Corruption Was King,” a groundbreaking undercover documentary that exposed widespread corruption within the Ghana Football Association and the broader African football administration. The investigation, led by Anas Aremeyaw Anas and the late Ahmed Suale, used hidden cameras to record high-ranking officials accepting bribes and engaging in unethical practices.

Kwesi Nyantakyi, then president of the GFA and a member of FIFA’s Council, was among those caught on camera. The footage showed him allegedly soliciting money in exchange for influence over football-related decisions, including player transfers and tournament organization.

Immediate Aftermath

The release of the documentary triggered a national and international outcry. Nyantakyi was suspended by FIFA within days and later resigned from his positions. The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana launched a criminal investigation, leading to charges of fraud and other offenses against Nyantakyi and several others.

Analysis

Why Nyantakyi’s Claims Are Misleading

Tiger Eye PI argues that framing the issue as a personal conflict between Anas and Nyantakyi is a deliberate misrepresentation. The investigation was conducted in the public interest to expose systemic corruption that affected Ghanaian football and its stakeholders, including fans, players, and sponsors.

The organization emphasizes that Anas had no personal grudge against Nyantakyi. Instead, the target was the corrupt practices that undermined the integrity of the sport. By portraying himself as a victim, Nyantakyi attempts to shift focus away from the substance of the allegations and the evidence presented.

The Role of Ahmed Suale’s Murder

A critical factor in the legal proceedings was the murder of Tiger Eye investigator Ahmed Suale in January 2019. Suale had reportedly received death threats prior to his killing, which many believe was linked to the Number 12 investigation. His death raised serious concerns about the safety of those involved in exposing corruption.

When the Attorney-General requested Anas to testify in the criminal case against Nyantakyi, Anas agreed—on the condition that he could do so while wearing a mask to protect his identity. However, the High Court ruled that he must appear without a mask, a decision that Tiger Eye PI argues placed him at significant risk.

Anas subsequently withdrew from testifying, leading to the collapse of the criminal case. Tiger Eye PI maintains that this was not an admission of guilt or weakness but a necessary precaution given the unresolved murder of Suale and the ongoing threats to investigative journalists in Ghana.

The Dismissal of the Criminal Case

In 2020, the Attorney-General officially discontinued the criminal case against Nyantakyi. Tiger Eye PI stresses that this was not a verdict on the merits of the case but a procedural decision influenced by the inability to secure key witnesses due to safety concerns.

The organization argues that the dismissal should not be interpreted as an exoneration. Instead, it reflects the challenges of prosecuting powerful individuals in environments where witness protection is inadequate and intimidation is common.

FIFA’s Sanctions Against Nyantakyi

In a significant development, FIFA’s Ethics Committee found Nyantakyi guilty of multiple violations, including bribery and corruption, conflict of interest, and offering gifts or benefits. In December 2019, he was banned from all football-related activities for life and fined 500,000 Swiss francs (approximately $540,000 USD).

Tiger Eye PI points to this decision as independent validation of the Number 12 investigation’s findings. FIFA’s ruling was based on its own investigation but relied heavily on the evidence uncovered by Tiger Eye PI, including the hidden camera footage and documented transactions.

The Defamation Suit

In 2018, shortly after the release of Number 12, Nyantakyi filed a defamation and privacy lawsuit against Anas and Tiger Eye PI, seeking substantial damages. However, the suit was later withdrawn, a move that Tiger Eye PI interprets as an acknowledgment that the claims in the documentary were substantially true and defensible in court.

The organization notes that Nyantakyi has not provided any credible evidence to refute the allegations or prove that the footage was doctored or misrepresented.

Practical Advice

For the Public: How to Evaluate Controversial Claims

When public figures make claims that contradict established investigations, it’s important to:

1. Seek Primary Sources: Look for original documents, recordings, or official statements rather than relying on secondhand reports.
2. Check for Independent Verification: Determine if other reputable organizations or authorities have corroborated the claims.
3. Consider Motives: Ask why the statement is being made now and what the speaker might gain from it.
4. Respect Legal and Ethical Boundaries: Avoid spreading unverified allegations or engaging in character attacks.

For Journalists and Investigators

The Number 12 case underscores the importance of:

• Robust source protection and witness safety protocols.
• Transparent documentation of investigative methods.
• Collaboration with international bodies to ensure accountability.
• Preparedness for legal challenges and public relations campaigns by subjects of investigations.

FAQ

Conclusion

Tiger Eye PI’s rejection of Kwesi Nyantakyi’s claims is not merely a defense of its reputation but a reaffirmation of the importance of investigative journalism in holding power to account. The Number 12 exposé exposed deep-seated corruption that had long plagued Ghanaian football. While legal challenges and personal attacks may attempt to discredit the work, the findings have been validated by international bodies and continue to inspire calls for transparency and reform.

The public should view Nyantakyi’s statements with caution, recognizing them as part of a broader effort to rehabilitate his image. The evidence speaks for itself: the Number 12 investigation was a public service, not a personal vendetta.