JOHN FASHANU’S NIGERIAN LEGAL BATTLE: EX-FOOTBALL STAR SUES POLICE OVER ARREST

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THE LAND DISPUTE THAT SPARKED IT ALL
At the heart of the controversy is a 22-acre piece of land, which Fashanu insists investors had agreed to buy from him for over £500,000. But trouble began when he found out that construction workers were fencing off the land—under police protection.

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Determined to clear up the confusion, Fashanu and his lawyer Chinyere Chigbu went to the police station to resolve the issue. Instead of finding answers, they found handcuffs.

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A DRAMATIC ARREST AND A FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
On December 16, 2024, Fashanu, his wife Vivian, and lawyer Chigbuwere detained. The charges? Criminal conspiracy, threat to life, intimidation, trespassing, and obtaining by false pretenses—all of which Fashanu denies. The former footballer claims he was unfairly held for three hours and that his movements were restricted for days. To make matters worse, he says the police confiscated his phone.

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Now, Fashanu is fighting back. He has filed a lawsuit against 12 top police officers, including the Inspector General of Police, for wrongful arrest and rights violations. His legal team confirms that all three detainees have met their bail conditionsand are awaiting their day in court.

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DID THIS COST HIM THE SUPER EAGLES JOB?
Adding another twist to the saga, Fashanu claims that the scandal ruined his chances of becoming Nigeria’s national football coach—a position he says he was seriously being considered for.

The court battle is far from over, with the next hearing set for April 10, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Whether Fashanu wins his case or not, this legal drama has already ensured his name stays in the headlines.