Abuja, Nigeria – Former Wimbledon and Aston Villa striker John Fashanu is suing the Nigerian Police Force for £100,000, claiming wrongful arrest and violation of his rights. The arrest occurred in Abuja concerning a land dispute involving Fashanu and a group of investors.
The dispute centers around a 22-acre site for which the investors allegedly agreed to pay over £500,000. Fashanu, 62, was arrested on accusations of criminal conspiracy, trespassing, intimidation, threat to life, and obtaining documents under false pretenses.
Fashanu vehemently denies all charges. He alleges that the Nigerian police wrongly arrested him, his wife Vivian, and his lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu. According to Fashanu, the situation escalated when he and his lawyer investigated after discovering that the investors had sent workmen to build a perimeter fence on the property. Fashanu claims these workmen were being protected by police. He says he and his lawyer were arrested after agreeing to meet at a local police station to resolve the dispute.
Fashanu accuses the officers involved of unlawful arrest, detention, and inhuman treatment for approximately three hours on December 16, followed by intermittent restrictions on his personal liberty up to December 19. He further alleges that his mobile phone was confiscated, causing gross unconstitutional violation.
The former England international claims the trauma from the arrest has impacted his career, preventing him from pursuing a job as head coach of the Nigerian national team.
Fashanu’s lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, stated that John, Vivian, and herself have met all bail requirements following their arrests. She added that the adjournment granted by the court would allow all respondents sufficient time to file their counter affidavits.
The case was heard earlier this month at the Abuja Federal High Court and has been adjourned until April 10 to allow the respondents time to file their counter affidavit.
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John Fashanu enjoyed a successful football career, playing for clubs like Milwall, Wimbledon, and Aston Villa. After retiring from professional football in 1995, he transitioned to television, co-hosting Gladiators and managing his own football team on Bravo’s Fash FC. He has also presented the Nigerian version of Deal or No Deal and participated in reality shows like I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and Dancing on Ice. He currently resides in Abuja.
