John Fashanu Sues Nigerian Police for ₦200 Million Over Wrongful Arrest

Former England striker John Fashanu is suing the Nigerian Police for ₦200 million over an alleged wrongful arrest related to a land dispute. Currently on bail, he claims the arrest has caused him trauma and hindered his coaching career aspirations with the Super Eagles. The court has adjourned the case until April 10 for further proceedings.
John Fashanu, a former England striker, has initiated legal proceedings against the Nigerian Police Force demanding ₦200 million for alleged wrongful arrest, according to reports from Soccernet.ng. Fashanu, who is currently out on bail, was detained in Abuja over a land dispute involving accusations of criminal conspiracy and intimidation among others.
The dispute arose following an agreement with foreign investors for a payment exceeding £500,000 for a 22-acre property. Fashanu was reportedly alarmed when he discovered that construction workers had arrived to build a fence on the land. This prompted him to visit the site with his lawyer, which culminated in their arrest after agreeing to clarify the matter at a police station.
Earlier this month, Fashanu attended a session at Abuja’s Federal High Court, where the matter was postponed to April 10 to allow the involved parties to submit their counter affidavits, as noted by Fashanu’s attorney, Chinyere Chigbu. The 62-year-old has expressed that he has not committed any offence and claims his arrest alongside his wife, Vivian, and lawyer was unjustified.
Fashanu’s legal action encompasses 12 defendants, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police. He asserts that the wrongful arrest has left him psychologically distressed and hindered his pursuit of a coaching position with the Super Eagles, for which he was previously in contention. Consequently, he is seeking damages amounting to £100,000, equivalent to ₦200 million.
John Fashanu, born in England to a Nigerian father and a British Guiana mother, represented England at the international level, making only two appearances due to competition from other strikers. His football career spanned various clubs in England, including Norwich City, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa, before he transitioned into media roles after retiring in 1995.
In summary, John Fashanu is pursuing legal action against the Nigerian Police Force for alleged wrongful arrest, seeking ₦200 million in damages. The case stems from a land dispute that has left him feeling traumatized and prevented him from advancing his coaching aspirations. Fashanu’s background includes a brief international football career with England, as well as significant club achievements in England before venturing into media.
Original Source: soccernet.ng