Former Flying Eagles winger Rilwanu Haliru Sarki has been arrested by Nigerian authorities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, according to reports. The 22-year-old Al Ain FC player was reportedly apprehended immediately after arriving in Nigeria for his post-season holiday.
Arrest Details Emerge
The arrest was first disclosed by FIFA-accredited journalist Tobi Adepoju in a social media post on Monday. Adepoju alleged that the operation was jointly coordinated by the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force. Immigration officials reportedly handed the player over to police officers after he was stopped at the airport's arrival hall.
Adepoju wrote: "News of the arrest of Rilwanu Haliru Sarki may come as a surprise to many football fans. Rilwanu Haliru Sarki, a professional footballer with Al Ain Football Club in the UAE and a former Nigeria U-20 winger, was reportedly arrested at the arrival hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria."
Police Invitation Allegedly Ignored
Adepoju further alleged that the arrest was connected to the footballer's failure to honour several police invitations related to an ongoing criminal investigation that has been under scrutiny for more than a year. "Sources indicate that the arrest is connected to Sarki's failure to honour several police invitations relating to a criminal investigation that has been ongoing for more than a year," the post added.
The report also claimed that attempts were being made through influential contacts within the immigration and police hierarchy to secure the player's release. However, authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the exact nature of the allegations or whether formal charges have been filed. Adepoju stated: "It remains unclear whether such attempts will succeed, given the sensitive nature of the case and the potential international implications surrounding the investigation."
Club World Cup Participation
Sarki was included in Al Ain FC's squad for the inaugural 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Emirati giants named three Nigerian players in their final 33-man squad for the tournament in the United States, including Sarki, goalkeeper Hassan Muhammed, and midfielder Joshua Udoh. Among the trio, Sarki was viewed as the most experienced and prominent player after making several senior appearances for the club this season.
The 22-year-old joined Al Ain from Mahanaim FC ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and has gradually risen through the ranks. According to Transfermarkt, he featured eight times for the UAE side during the season, recording appearances in the Pro League and domestic cup competitions. One of his most notable outings came during Al Ain's emphatic 7-0 victory over Al-Hamriyah in the President's Cup.
Flying Eagles Career
Before moving abroad, Sarki established himself as one of Nigeria's brightest youth prospects with the Flying Eagles. He represented the Nigeria national under-20 football team between 2022 and 2023 and played a key role during the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. Nigeria finished third at the tournament, with Sarki impressing observers through his pace and attacking ability on the wings. He also featured in four matches during the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina as the Flying Eagles reached the quarterfinals before their elimination.
His performances at youth level helped boost his reputation and eventually paved the way for his transfer to the United Arab Emirates.
Ongoing Investigation
As of the time of this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor Al Ain Football Club had publicly commented on the matter. The journalist added that Sarki could eventually be charged to court after investigations and due process are concluded. The case has drawn attention due to the player's rising profile and potential international implications.
