John Fashanu, the former England footballer and Gladiators TV personality, has been arrested in Nigeria on suspicion of several offenses. The 62-year-old is currently on bail following his apprehension related to a land dispute.
Fashanu is suspected of crimes including criminal conspiracy, threat to life, intimidation, trespass, and obtaining by false pretense in Nigeria, where he currently resides.
He strongly denies these accusations and is pursuing legal action against the police, seeking £100,000 in damages. He claims his rights were violated due to wrongful arrest, along with his wife Vivian and lawyer Chinyere Chigbu, in what he insists is a civil matter concerning land ownership.
Reportedly, investors had agreed to pay Fashanu over £500,000 for the 22-acre land before the situation escalated.
Fashanu states that the issue arose when investors sent workers to erect a fence on the property. Upon investigating, he and his lawyer found the workers allegedly being protected by police. They were then arrested after agreeing to visit the police station to resolve the matter.
He alleges “unlawful arrest, detention and inhumane treatment” for approximately three hours on December 16, followed by intermittent restrictions on his freedom until December 19.
His wife Vivian was also allegedly wrongly arrested when she accompanied him to the police station.
Fashanu further claims a “severe unconstitutional violation” of his rights as police confiscated his mobile phone.
John Fashanu, known as “Fash the Bash,” was instrumental in Wimbledon’s 1988 FA Cup victory. He also played for Aston Villa and earned two caps for England. Born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, he holds dual British and Nigerian citizenship.
He has been living in Abuja, Nigeria, for several years, becoming a well-known figure due to his football career and involvement with the Nigerian FA and government.
His brother, Justin Fashanu, was a pioneering figure as Britain’s first openly gay footballer and the first Black £1 million player. He tragically passed away in 1998 at the age of 37.
In early March, Fashanu attended a hearing at Abuja’s Federal High Court. Judge adjourned the case until April 10.
Fashanu’s lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, commented on the adjournment, stating it was granted to allow all respondents sufficient time to submit their counter-affidavits, ensuring they have adequate time to prepare their response.
The lawyer also confirmed that Fashanu, his wife, and himself are on bail after their arrests and have fulfilled all bail conditions set by the police.
Fashanu’s lawsuit names 12 defendants, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, the police service commission, and several Abuja police officials.
