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The ex-Aston Villa star claims he was in contention to become Super Eagles coach before his arrest and detention tarnished his image in the country

Former England international John Fashanu has been arrested in Nigeria over a land dispute but is fighting back with a ₦201 million lawsuit against the police.

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He claims his rights were violated during the ordeal, which also saw his wife and lawyer detained in what he insists is a civil matter, not a criminal case.

Fashanu arrested after land dispute

At the center of this legal battle is a 22-acre property that Fashanu had reportedly agreed to sell to investors for over £500,000.

However, tensions arose when workmen, allegedly protected by police, were spotted building a perimeter fence on the land.

Fashanu, along with his lawyer Chinyere Chigbu, went to investigate but soon found themselves arrested at a police station after attempting to resolve the dispute.

The 62-year-old former footballer now faces allegations of criminal conspiracy, intimidation, trespassing, and obtaining by false pretenses—charges he has strongly denied.

Adding to the controversy, his wife, Vivian, was also arrested, which he claims was an unjust violation of their rights. Fashanu insists he was detained for three hours on December 16, followed by further restrictions on his freedom until December 19. He also alleges that officers seized his mobile phone.

Fashanu files ₦201 million compensation lawsuit

Determined to clear his name, Fashanu has filed a lawsuit against 12 high-ranking Nigerian police officials, including the Inspector General of Police and Abuja’s top law enforcement officers.

Using the title “Ambassador Fashanu”, a government recognition for his contributions to sports and tourism, he is seeking ₦201 million in damages for wrongful arrest and violation of his rights.

His lawyer, Mr. Chigbu, confirmed that all three individuals—Fashanu, his wife, and himself—have since been released on bail.

However, Fashanu argues that the arrest has severely damaged his reputation, claiming it cost him the chance to become Nigeria’s national team head coach, a job he was allegedly in contention for.

The case has now reached the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the next hearing set for April 10. According to Chigbu, the judge adjourned the session to give the police and other respondents enough time to file their defense.