A former Nigerian international has reportedly been arrested in connection with a ₦38 million fraud.

The former Super Eagles player has been on the radar of security operatives after he failed to honour his side of the deal.

Details of the transaction

Enyimba legend Victor Ezeji has reportedly been apprehended by operatives of Rivers States Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

According to the Guardian, the 44-year-old issued dud cheques worth N39.8 million and alleged threat to life.

It was gathered that the former Sunshine Stars player and his wife purchased 60,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly called diesel, from a businessman, Dagogo Emmanuel, and issued him cheques that later bounced.

The former Super Eagles star admitted knowledge of the transaction after being queried in police custody at SCID, Port Harcourt. Ezeji was arrested on Monday, September 22, following weeks of surveillance and investigative efforts.

Former Super Eagles striker, Victor Ezeji, has been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command over allegations of fraud and threats to life linked to a multi-million-naira diesel deal. pic.twitter.com/blA4hWXvCs

— Platform Times Newspaper (@PTnewsmedia) September 24, 2025

When questioned about the whereabouts of his wife, Celestina, the NPFL legend claimed ignorance of her location. Police authorities said efforts have been intensified to apprehend his wife, who is currently at large.

Chuks, the younger brother of Victor Ezeji, claimed that the football star was not directly involved in the business deal, as his wife allegedly carried out the transaction using his name.

Who is Victor Ezeji?

Born in Rivers State, Victor Ezeji is regarded as one of the most successful Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) players during his active days.

According to Soccernet, Ezeji lifted the CAF Champions League twice with Enyimba in 2003 and 2004.

The former Super Eagles star's career stretched across nearly two decades, with successful spells at Sharks, Dolphins, Sunshine Stars, and Heartland. He became the NPFL top scorer in 2002 and won Most Valuable Player awards in 2004.

The 44-year-old had a one-year stint with Club Africain in Tunisia and represented Nigeria at the international level, earning eight caps and scoring four goals for the Super Eagles.

Victor Ezeji was once the Record Signing in the Nigerian League. He joined Enyimba from Sharks for N9 million ($19,500 now and $75,000 then) in 2003.

He was the highest-paid player, earning N240,000 ($533 now and $2,000 then) monthly.

As an NPFL legend, Ezeji delivered the trophy ahead of the 2022/23 season.