Ex-Super Eagles Star Arrested Over ₦40m Diesel Fraud Allegation; Police Seek Wife

Ex-Super Eagles Star Arrested Over ₦40m Diesel Fraud Allegation; Police Seek Wife

By Admin 

 Former Super Eagles forward and Nigerian football icon, Victor Ezeji, has been arrested by the Rivers State Police over an alleged diesel supply fraud involving bounced cheques worth nearly ₦40 million, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Ezeji, 44, was taken into custody by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Port Harcourt on Monday, following weeks of investigation and surveillance. Authorities say the former Enyimba striker and his wife, Celestina, purchased 60,000 litres of diesel from a local businessman, Dagogo Emmanuel, in July, issuing cheques totalling ₦39.8 million all of which reportedly bounced.

The couple allegedly went into hiding shortly after the failed transaction. While Ezeji was apprehended this week, Celestina remains at large, and police have launched a manhunt for her.

Investigators told The Guardian that Ezeji admitted to signing the cheques but claimed he was not directly involved in the business deal, insisting his wife handled the transaction. His brother, Chuks Ezeji, also defended him, asserting that the football legend was only implicated by association.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s football community, where Ezeji has long been revered as one of the most accomplished figures in the domestic game.

Ezeji's professional career spanned nearly two decades, with standout spells at Sharks, Dolphins, Sunshine Stars, Heartland, and most notably Enyimba, where he won back-to-back CAF Champions League titles. He also had a brief stint abroad with Club Africain in Tunisia and earned eight international caps for the Super Eagles, scoring four goals.

Beyond the pitch, Ezeji built a reputation as a vocal advocate for youth development and football grassroots initiatives, earning widespread respect as a role model for aspiring athletes.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging Celestina Ezeji to turn herself in for questioning.