Former England international footballer arrested in Abuja

Former England international footballer John Fashanu has been arrested in Abuja, Nigeria, on allegations of criminal conspiracy, trespass, intimidation, and obtaining by false pretence in a civil land dispute.

The 62-year-old ex-footballer, who played for Millwall, Wimbledon, and Aston Villa, denies all charges and has launched a £100,000 lawsuit against Nigerian authorities, claiming wrongful arrest, human rights violations, and inhumane treatment.

Fashanu

Fashanu was detained on 16 December 2024 alongside his wife, Vivian, and lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, after a land dispute escalated.

Reports indicate that a group of investors had agreed to pay over £500,000 for a 22-acre site, but Fashanu and his lawyer intervened when they discovered workmen building a perimeter fence on the property.

Fashanu alleged that the workmen were protected by police, and when he and his lawyer attempted to resolve the matter at a local station, they were arrested on serious charges.

Fashanu claims he was subjected to “gross unconstitutional violation” during the ordeal, alleging that he was detained for approximately three hours on 16 December, faced intermittent constraints on his liberty until 19 December, and had his mobile phone confiscated, further restricting his freedom.

He also argues that the arrest has impacted his career, claiming he was unable to pursue a job as head coach of the Nigerian national team due to the trauma of the incident.

Fashanu has filed a lawsuit against 12 defendants, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, and the Police Service Commission.

The case was heard at Abuja’s Federal High Court earlier this month, with the next hearing scheduled for 10 April 2025.

Fashanu’s lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, stated that the court granted the adjournment to give all respondents enough time to file their counter affidavit and properly respond.

Chigbu confirmed that Fashanu, his wife, and his lawyer have all met the bail conditions set by police.

Since retiring from football in 1995, Fashanu has enjoyed a successful television career, including co-hosting Gladiators, managing a football team on Bravo’s Fash FC, and presenting the Nigerian version of Deal or No Deal.

He has also appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Dancing on Ice.

Born in Huddersfield, Fashanu holds dual British-Nigerian citizenship and has lived in Abuja for several years since retirement.

The case continues, with the next court hearing set for 10 April 2025.

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