The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of former Super Eagles striker, Victor Ezeji, as part of an investigation into a diesel supply transaction reported by a businessman in Port Harcourt, Peak Newspaper reports.
Police said Ezeji, a veteran of Nigerian football who previously played for Enyimba and Sharks FC, was taken into custody on Monday, by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
According to police sources, the matter involves a businessman, Dagogo Emmanuel, who alleged that 60,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), valued at N39.8 million, were supplied but not paid for.
It was further claimed that dud cheques were issued in connection with the deal.
Investigators said Ezeji admitted knowing about the transaction and acknowledged signing the cheques but denied involvement in the business dealings attributed to his wife, Mrs. Celestina Onyemaeche Ezeji, who police say is still being sought.
Ezeji’s brother, Chuks, has publicly defended him, saying, “Victor was not directly involved in the business transaction. It was Mrs. Ezeji who handled everything using his name.”
Police authorities stressed that investigations are ongoing and assured that due process will be followed.
The development has drawn reactions from the sports community, where the 43-year-old former international is widely respected for his achievements in the Nigerian Professional Football League
