Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ezeji has been arrested in Port Harcourt over allegations of fraud involving cheques worth almost ₦40 million, according to reports.

According to The Guardian Nigeria, the 44-year-old, who enjoyed a glittering career in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) and won the CAF Champions League twice with Enyimba, was picked up by operatives of the Rivers State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) after weeks of tracking.

Investigators revealed that Ezeji and his wife, Celestina, purchased 60,000 litres of diesel from businessman Dagogo Emmanuel in July.

However, the couple allegedly issued cheques totalling ₦39.8m, which later bounced.

Following the incident, both reportedly went into hiding before police operatives eventually apprehended Ezeji this week.

Police sources confirmed that the former forward admitted signing the cheques but claimed he was not directly involved in the transaction, insisting his wife handled the deal. Celestina is currently on the run.

Ezeji’s brother, Chuks, also came to his defence, insisting the ex-footballer was being unfairly dragged into the matter due to family ties.

The arrest of Ezeji has sent shockwaves across Nigerian football circles, as the former striker was once celebrated as one of the most decorated players in the NPFL.

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

He also played abroad with Club Africain in Tunisia and earned eight international caps for Nigeria, scoring four goals.

Widely respected during his playing days, Ezeji finished as the NPFL top scorer in 2002 and was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2004.

The case is expected to proceed once Celestina is apprehended, with further updates anticipated from the Rivers State Police Command.