Former England footballer John Fashanu has accused the Nigerian police of wrongful arrest and is demanding £100,000 (approximately 200 million Naira) in compensation following his recent detention in Abuja.
The 62-year-old ex-striker was taken into custody in Nigeria’s capital and charged with multiple offenses, including criminal conspiracy and intimidation.
“I vehemently deny all charges against me,” Fashanu stated, insisting that his arrest was unjust and that his fundamental rights had been violated by the authorities.
“I was subjected to arrest, detention, and inhuman treatment for about three hours on December 16 and subsequent intermittent constraints of my personal liberty up to December 19,” Fashanu added.
Fashanu’s lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, confirmed that his client, along with his wife, Vivian, and Chigbu himself, had all met the necessary requirements to be granted bail following their arrests.
“All three have perfected their bail conditions. They have all met the requirements to be admitted on administrative bail by police,” Chigbu said in an interview with The Mirror.
The legal dispute stems from a 22-acre piece of land, which a group of investors had agreed to purchase for over £500,000.
However, Fashanu and his legal team launched an inquiry after learning that the investors had dispatched workers to construct a perimeter fence on the land without obtaining proper authorization.
Fashanu claims that the ordeal has taken a toll on his well-being, affecting his chances of securing a coaching position with the Nigerian national team.
“I suffered gross unconstitutional violation after my mobile phone was confiscated by officers,” he alleged.
The case has been adjourned until April 10, giving the respondents additional time to file their counterarguments.
Fashanu has officially filed a lawsuit against 12 individuals and entities, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, and the Police Service Commission.
“The court granted the adjournment to give all the respondents enough time to file their counter affidavit. It will allow them enough time to properly file their response,” Chigbu explained.
John Fashanu’s Football Career:
John Fashanu had a 17-year career as a centre-forward, playing professionally from 1978 to 1995. He spent eight years at Wimbledon, where he won the 1988 FA Cup and netted over 100 goals.
In addition to his time in the Premier League with Wimbledon and Aston Villa, Fashanu also played for Norwich City, Lincoln City, Crystal Palace, Millwall, and had a loan spell with Miramar Rangers.
By the time he retired in 1995, he had amassed a total of 134 league goals.
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