FORMER England footballer and TV presenter John Fashanu has been released on police bail in Nigeria following his arrest in connection with a land ownership dispute. According to a report by the Mirror, the 62-year-old ex-Wimbledon and Aston Villa striker is facing serious allegations including criminal conspiracy, intimidation, trespassing, threats to life, and obtaining property by false pretence.
Fashanu, who now resides in Nigeria, has strongly denied any wrongdoing. He has since launched legal action, seeking £100,000 in compensation for what he describes as a violation of his rights and ‘inhuman treatment’ during his arrest and detention.
Arrest linked to £500k land deal
The case reportedly stems from a dispute over a 22-acre plot of land, which foreign investors had agreed to purchase from Fashanu for more than £500,000. Trouble started when Fashanu discovered that workers had been sent to construct a perimeter fence on the land without his consent.
On December 16, Fashanu and his lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, visited the property to investigate. After agreeing to accompany police officers to a station to resolve the matter, both men—along with Fashanu’s wife, Vivian—were arrested.
Claims of inhuman treatment
Fashanu claims he was subjected to ‘inhuman treatment’ while being held for around three hours. He further alleges that police placed ‘intermittent constraints’ on his personal freedom until December 19.
The former footballer, who has the honorary title of Sports and Tourism Ambassador bestowed by the Nigerian government, has filed legal proceedings against 12 individuals connected to the case.
Fashanu’s lawyer, Chigbu, confirmed to the Mirror that all three detainees have since met their bail conditions and were released under administrative bail by Nigerian police.
A storied career
John Fashanu is best known for his time with Wimbledon, where he played a pivotal role in their famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool in 1988. He also earned two caps for England during his career.
After retiring from football, Fashanu transitioned to television, co-hosting the UK edition of Gladiators in the 1990s alongside Ulrika Jonsson. He currently presents the Nigerian version of Deal or No Deal.
Despite the allegations, Fashanu maintains his innocence and insists the dispute is a civil matter being wrongly treated as a criminal offence.
As this legal battle unfolds, the former striker says he remains committed to clearing his name.
