The news broke on Friday July 28 that ex Norwich City footballer, John Fashanu was arrested over a N10m land scam.
The former Wimbledon and England star was said to have spent two days locked up as police officers investigated claims he acted as a fixer in a scam to sell plots that were not for sale. Fashanu was alleged to have been released after surrendering his British passport and agreeing to pay back a first instalment of the money.
Sources said he looked to sell some of his cars to raise the cash as he waited for funds from his numerous business interests to clear in his bank account. His barrister, Hyp Egbune, confirmed he had last week paid a second instalment of the money owed. He was granted administrative bail on July 18 but because of his inability to produce the requisite surety on that day, he remained in detention until July 19 when he was released.
As if that wasn’t enough cross to bear for Fashanu whose marriage to Abigail crashed amidst scandals in 2016, surprisingly, on Saturday July 29, popular Hausa actress, Rachael Bakam, sent a press statement to Kemiashefonlovehaven stating categorically that she was never married to John Fashanu.
Rachael stated that they “We are great friends and fight for some humanitarian causes together.”
Outlining the status of their ‘friendship’ further, Rachael, who was married to showbiz big boy, Isreal Edjren, also said:
“The Media love to refer to John and I as husband and wife but we are not married. We keep quiet and let that perception slide but the truth is, We are great friends and fight for some causes together. He is amazing in business and a very loyal friend. Professional to the core. Misunderstood by many but an amazing man. I have been very close friends with him for over two years now and i can attest to his goodness and loyalty. He goes the extra mile for his friends. He has gotten his feet caught unfairly many times because of his goodness. I am blessed to have a great friend like John who has grown to become like a brother, confidante, friend and amazing in business. We also fight many causes together. I am a humanitarian. When I propose to John to come on board to support causes like empowerment of IDPS and Anti-human trafficking, he comes in and gives his all. He is Loyal to the core through thick and thin. I have enjoyed the best friendship and work relationship with John so far.” (sic)
However, in an interview she granted in 2016, Rachel aka Rachel the PIPER, confirmed to Saturday PUNCH that she was, “In love with John.”
Racheal said wedding bell is not ringing soon but, “What we have is serious. We have to take it step by step. I am going through my divorce and he is doing same as well. But it is difficult to hide what we share. It is so difficult to even be apart for a minute. This is what I have been looking for all along. We are so similar. I know what he has been through and I know the whole story with his ex.
“He is a very caring man whose paramount interest is my happiness. This is different from what I have been used to. He gives me money, he supports me and he encourages my work. He tries to hype me all the time and I know he loves me deeply. This is different from what I used to have before,” she said.
Surprisingly, many, including former Minister Of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode, believed they were married.
On January 23, 2017 FFK and his beautiful wife, Precious, played host to John Fashanu and Rachael in his Abuja home and shared this photo on Instagram with a caption:
“It was an honor to receive Mr. and Mrs. John Fashanu in our home earlier today. We had a great time. What a beautiful and warm couple they are. We had a great time.”
Not denying the Mr & Mrs mention, it was an elated Rachael who responded to FFK’s post and wrote in the comment section:
“We had a great time. Thanks for the warm reception.”
Why this sudden denial of Fashanu at this critical time?