Former footballer and television presenter, John Fashanu has been released on police bail following his arrest over a land dispute in Nigeria. The 62-year-old, who now resides in Abuja, is facing allegations of criminal conspiracy, threat to life, intimidation, trespassing, and obtaining by false pretense.
The Nigerian Born Fashanu strongly denies the accusations and has taken legal action against the police, seeking £100,000 in compensation for what he claims was an unlawful arrest.
The controversy stems from a disagreement over a 22-acre land deal reportedly worth over £500,000. Fashanu and his lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, visited the site after learning that investors had sent workmen to construct a perimeter fence. Upon arrival, they allegedly found the workmen under police protection. The situation escalated when both Fashanu and Chigbu agreed to go to the police station to resolve the matter but were subsequently arrested.
Fashanu claims he was subjected to “arrest, detention, and inhuman treatment” for approximately three hours on December 16, followed by further restrictions on his freedom until December 19. He also alleges that his wife, Vivian, was wrongfully arrested when she accompanied him to the police station. Additionally, he asserts that his mobile phone was confiscated, constituting a “gross unconstitutional violation” of his rights.
A well-known figure in Nigerian football and media, Fashanu enjoyed a successful playing career, notably helping Wimbledon secure the 1988 FA Cup. He also played for Aston Villa and earned two caps for England in the late 1980s. Following his retirement, he gained fame as a co-presenter of Gladiators alongside Ulrika Jonsson and later appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Fashanu has lived in Abuja for several years and has worked with the Nigerian FA and government on various projects. In 2000, he compiled the Fashanu Report on corruption in Nigerian football and later hosted Deal or No Deal Nigeria. He claims his arrest has caused significant distress and jeopardized his chances of becoming Nigeria’s national football coach, a position he says he was being considered for before his legal troubles.
The case is currently being heard at Abuja’s Federal High Court, where a recent hearing resulted in an adjournment until April 10. Fashanu’s lawyer, Chigbu, stated that the delay allows respondents more time to file their counter-affidavits.
Fashanu, who filed his lawsuit using the title “Ambassador Fashanu”—a designation previously awarded to him by the Nigerian government—has named 12 defendants in his case. These include the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, and several high-ranking officers, such as Abuja’s Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner.
All three individuals—Fashanu, his wife, and his lawyer—have met their bail conditions and remain free pending further legal proceedings. The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official response to the claims.
