Nigeria player sentenced to prison in Turkey for fraud

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigerian footballer Uche ‘Arda’ Victor Odimba has been arrested and sentenced to prison in Turkey for his involvement in a fraud ring.

The 33-year-old, who has been living in Turkey since 2010 and acquired citizenship under the name “Arda,” played for 17 different clubs across the country during his career, primarily as a striker.

Reports from Ekol TV and Ntvspor indicate that Odimba was a key member of a criminal group involved in fraudulent activities.

Law enforcement agents conducted a raid on their operation base, seizing fake documents, electronic devices, and other evidence of fraud.

The operation was reportedly triggered by a Bulgarian victim who was scammed of 2.5 million Turkish Lira through a false inheritance claim.

The victim alerted authorities, who quickly responded, leading to the arrest of Odimba and three accomplices.

According to a report from Haberler, Odimba is believed to have been the leader of the racket, providing his accomplices with bank accounts and taking a share of the scam proceeds.

Odimba was brought before a judge, who sentenced him to prison, along with his fellow suspects.