Kanu fears that Amcon will sell his Lagos hotel after renovation works start on it

FORMER Super Eagles skipper Nwankwo Kanu has expressed fears that his Lagos hotel known as Hardley Apartment faces the threat of being permanently seized by federal government after it was taken over following his amassing of debts.

Kanu's Hardley Apartment was taken over by the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (Amcon) over an alleged unpaid bank loan by the former football star, which is still the subject of a court case. Now Amcon has begun renovating the property, located in Victoria Island, Lagos and Kanu fears that it may be sold off.

Almost in tears, while narrating his ordeal, Kanu stated that some people are hell bent on taking over his hotel. He said he wondered why a country he served wholeheartedly would treat him like a stranger.

According to Kanu, the case between him and Amcon has been on since 2015 at the federal high court Ikoyi and he wondered why the company would start renovating his property when the court has not decided the case. Kanu also disclosed that most of his valued property, including his medals and Olympic torch, have been looted from the building.

“It is quit unfortunate that a legendary star, who gave his best to the country, would be treated like this. This hotel serves many purposes as I have been using the money I get here to fund my heart foundation and also create jobs for people.

"Over 500 children are on the line for surgery and 200 are on the waiting list. Since the hotel has not been functioning, I find it difficult to get funds to assist these children and I have to go the extra mile to beg for funds, which is not fair.

“The government always tells former footballers not to invest overseas after retirement, they tell us to come back home and invest and I came back to invest but  see what I am facing. Is this a good experience for other upcoming footballers?" Kanu added.

He said the case was last heard in 2018 and then adjourned to January 31, 2019, adding that he was surprised to see that some people have taken possession of the hotel. According to Kanu, he deserves to be treated well in Nigeria as he is Kanu Nwankwo, not a foreigner.

“Right now I need my medals because they are what I will show my children that I served the country with all my heart when they grow up. They broke into my hotel without permission from the court, which is injustice to me for a country I gave my best,” Kanu lamented.