Danish police issue global arrest warrant for ex-FC Copenhagen winger Akinkunmi Amoo

Danish authorities have launched an international search for former FC Copenhagen winger Akinkunmi Amoo, who is suspected of leaving the country to avoid serving a one-year prison sentence for rape and other sexual offences.

Copenhagen Police confirmed they have issued an international warrant and that Amoo has been remanded in custody in absentia, as they seek to secure his return to Denmark so the sentence can be enforced.

The 24-year-old, a member of Nigeria’s squad at the 2019 Fifa U17 World Cup and a former Super Eagles invitee, was convicted by the Copenhagen City Court in June 2023 on multiple counts, including assault, rape involving a sexual act other than intercourse, and attempted rape.

Danish broadcaster TV 2 Sport initially reported that police were pursuing a former FC Copenhagen player but did not publish his name. Danish outlet Bold later identified the wanted individual as Amoo.

Appeal dismissed after no-show

After his 2023 conviction, Amoo lodged an appeal against the verdict and the one-year custodial sentence.

However, the Eastern High Court threw out his appeal in 2024 when he failed to appear for the scheduled hearing. That decision meant the original conviction and sentence handed down by the Copenhagen City Court became final.

At the time, Amoo’s lawyer told the court that his client’s absence was due to visa-related problems, but the case proceeded in his absence and the appeal was dismissed.

With the ruling upheld and the sentence confirmed, Copenhagen Police say they are now working with international counterparts in a bid to track down the player, whose current location remains unknown.

Contract fallout after conviction

Amoo’s legal case had immediate consequences for his club career in Europe.

Following his conviction in 2023, FC Copenhagen transferred the winger to Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia.

Once the Eastern High Court had dismissed his appeal and the Copenhagen City Court verdict was upheld, Omonia Nicosia terminated his contract.

The Nigerian subsequently moved to Chinese club SH JD Huilong in February 2025. He spent the remainder of that year with the side before becoming a free agent when his contract expired at the end of 2025.

Future uncertain amid transfer links

With an international warrant now active and his sentence still to be served, Amoo’s next move on and off the pitch is unclear.

His whereabouts are currently unknown, though reports have linked him with a potential transfer to a club in Thailand.

Copenhagen Police have not provided further details about the investigation but continue to seek information that could lead to the former FC Copenhagen winger being detained and returned to Denmark to serve his one-year jail term.