John Fashanu, former footballer, is battling to free himself from a land grabbing case, insisting that the issue is a civil matter while accusing the Police of unlawful detention.

Fashanu, his wife Vivian, and his lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, were arrested following a dispute over a 22-acre plot of land, which Fashanu claims was worth more than £500,000 in investment agreements.

The conflict escalated when Fashanu discovered that workers had been sent by the investors to construct a perimeter fence on the land.

Fashanu and his lawyer went to investigate and found that the workers were being guarded by police officers.

The two men voluntarily went to a police station to resolve the situation but were arrested upon arrival.

Fashanu claims that he was subjected to “arrest, detention, and inhuman treatment” during a three-hour ordeal on December 16, followed by ongoing restrictions on his personal freedom until December 19.

He further asserts that his wife was wrongfully detained when she accompanied him to the station and alleges that his rights were violated when police confiscated his mobile phone.

The former striker, who was a key player in Wimbledon’s FA Cup-winning team in 1988, said the incident has left him traumatized and unable to pursue his ambitions of becoming Nigeria’s national football coach—a role he was reportedly being considered for before his arrest.

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Fashanu, who holds both British and Nigerian citizenship, has lived in Abuja for several years and is a well-known figure in Nigerian football.

His career in the country has included roles with the Nigerian Football Association and government, as well as hosting the local version of *Deal or No Deal*.

This month, Fashanu appeared at Abuja’s Federal High Court, where his case was adjourned until April 10.

His lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, confirmed the adjournment was granted to allow time for the respondents to file their counter affidavits.

Chigbu also stated that all three individuals had met their bail conditions, adding that they had been granted administrative bail by the police.

In his lawsuit, Fashanu has named 12 defendants, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, and several senior officers in Abuja, including the Commissioner of Police, Jude Azuka, Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Ogedegbe, and Chief Superintendent of Police Habib Alkali.

Fashanu has filed the case under his official title of Ambassador Fashanu, which was bestowed upon him by the Nigerian government in recognition of his contributions to sports and tourism.

Reported by Sahara Reporters