Former England international John Fashanu has been arrested in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, over 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, claiming wrongful arrest, human rights violations, and inhumane treatment.
Arrest and Dispute Over 22-Acre Site
Fashanu was detained on December 16, 2024, alongside his wife, Vivian, and lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, after a land dispute escalated.
Reports suggest that a group of investors had agreed to pay over £500,000 for a 22-acre site, but Fashanu and his lawyer intervened after discovering workmen building a perimeter fence on the property.
According to The Mirror, Fashanu alleged that the workmen were protected by police, and when he and his lawyer went to resolve the matter at a local station, they were arrested on serious charges.
Claims of Rights Violations and Damages
Fashanu claims he was subjected to “gross unconstitutional violation”, alleging that:
• He was detained for about three hours on December 16
• He faced intermittent constraints on his liberty until December 19
•His mobile phone was confiscated, further restricting his freedom
He argues that the ordeal 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 arrest.
Court Case and Police Response
Fashanu has filed a lawsuit against 12 defendants, including:
• The Nigeria Police Force
• The Inspector General of Police
• The Police Service Commission
He appeared at Abuja’s Federal High Court earlier this month, with the case adjourned until April 10.
His lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, stated:
“The court granted the adjournment to give all the respondents enough time to file their counter affidavit and properly respond.”
Chigbu also confirmed that Fashanu, his wife, and his lawyer have all met the bail conditions set by police.
Fashanu’s Legacy and Life in Nigeria
Since retiring from football in 1995, Fashanu has had 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 been a contestant 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.
The case continues, with the next court hearing scheduled for April 10, 2025.
