posted 17th March 2025
Former England Star John Fashanu on Police Bail Amid Nigerian Land Dispute
Former England footballer and Gladiators presenter John Fashanu has been released on police bail following his arrest in Nigeria over a contentious land dispute. The 62-year-old, who once starred for clubs such as Wimbledon and Aston Villa, faces allegations of criminal conspiracy, threat to life, intimidation, trespass, and obtaining money by false pretences. Fashanu, now a resident of Nigeria, vehemently denies the charges and is demanding £100,000 in compensation for what he claims was a violation of his rights.
The incident stems from a civil disagreement over a 22-acre plot of land, for which foreign investors reportedly agreed to pay Fashanu more than £500,000. Trouble brewed when Fashanu learned that workmen had begun constructing a perimeter fence on the site. Accompanied by his lawyer, Chinyere Chigbu, he visited the property to investigate, only to find himself arrested—alongside his wife Vivian and Mr Chigbu—after agreeing to visit a police station to resolve the matter.
Fashanu alleges that he endured "arrest, detention, and inhuman treatment" for approximately three hours on 16 December. He further claims that police subjected him to "subsequent intermittent constraints of his personal liberty" until 19 December. In response, he has launched legal proceedings against 12 individuals, filing the case under his official title, Ambassador Fashanu—a designation bestowed upon him by the Nigerian government in recognition of his role as a sports and tourism ambassador.
Speaking on behalf of his clients, Mr Chigbu confirmed that Fashanu, his wife, and himself have all been released on bail. "All three have perfected their bail conditions. They have met the requirements to be admitted on administrative bail by police," he stated.
Fashanu’s footballing legacy includes helping Wimbledon secure FA Cup glory in 1988, a triumph that cemented his place in English football history. The former striker also earned two caps for the England national team. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned into television, co-hosting the popular UK version of Gladiators with Ulrika Jonsson during the 1990s. Today, he fronts the Nigerian edition of Deal or No Deal, maintaining his presence in the entertainment world.
The ex-footballer’s legal battle now casts a spotlight on his life in Nigeria, where he has accused authorities of overstepping their powers in what he insists is a civil matter. As the case unfolds, Fashanu remains defiant, seeking both justice and redress for the ordeal he claims to have suffered at the hands of the police.
