Former Super Eagles star arrested as Police hunt wife over diesel cheque scandal

The two-time Champions League winner made eight appearances for the Super Eagles during an illustrious career on the domestic scene and beyond

Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ezeji has been arrested in Port Harcourt over allegations of fraud involving dud cheques worth nearly N40m, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 44-year-old, once celebrated as one of the most decorated players in the Nigerian Professional Football League, was picked up by Rivers State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) officers on Monday after weeks of surveillance.

According to investigators, Ezeji and his wife, Celestina, purchased 60,000 litres of diesel from businessman Dagogo Emmanuel in July but allegedly issued cheques totalling N39.8m that later bounced.

The couple reportedly went into hiding before Ezeji was tracked down this week.

Police confirmed to the Guardian that the former Enyimba striker admitted signing the cheques but denied direct involvement in the deal, insisting his wife handled the transaction. Celestina remains on the run.

Ezeji’s brother, Chuks, also defended him, claiming Victor was dragged into the case by association.

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The arrest of Ezeji comes as a rude shock as the former international was once regarded as the face of Nigerian club football.

Ezeji’s career stretched across nearly two decades, with successful spells at Sharks, Dolphins, Sunshine Stars, Heartland, and two trophy-laden stints at Enyimba, where he lifted the CAF Champions League twice.

He also played abroad for Club Africain in Tunisia and represented Nigeria at the international level, earning eight caps and scoring four goals for the Super Eagles.

Ezeji enjoyed cult-hero status in the NPFL, becoming top scorer in 2002 and winning MVP awards in 2004. He later served as a respected ambassador for youth sports and football development, credited with inspiring a generation of players.