Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ezeji, once celebrated for his long career in the Nigerian league and two CAF Champions League titles with Enyimba, has found himself in police custody over an alleged fraud case, Footynaija.com reports.
The 44-year-old, widely respected as one of the most experienced strikers to play in the NPFL, was arrested in Port Harcourt in connection with a financial scandal running into millions.
Ezeji was detained after a diesel transaction reportedly went sour. The matter, tied to a business deal over Automotive Gas Oil, has now put the retired striker in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Police in Rivers State confirmed that he is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department as investigations continue.
As revealed in a report by Guardian Nigeria, the allegations involve the issuance of dud cheques and threats linked to the fuel deal, with the total amount put at about ₦39.8 million. While Ezeji admitted signing the cheques, he claimed he was unaware of his wife’s role in the deal.
His wife, said to be connected to the transaction, has not been apprehended and is reportedly at large.
Having represented Nigeria at international level with a handful of caps and goals, and leaving a mark as one of the league’s most trusted finishers, this turn of events has left many disappointed.
The case is now under investigation, and authorities are expected to give further updates in the coming days.
For a man widely seen as one of the most decorated players in the Nigerian league, it’s a fall from his glory days when he won titles with Enyimba and stood out as one of the most consistent strikers of his time.