Convicted of rape and torture, former PSG defender Godwin Okpara released from prison after six years

Godwin Okpara, Nigerian central defender who played for Strasbourg and Paris Saint-Germain between 1996 and 2001, served between six and seven years in detention in France after being convicted of rape of his adoptive daughter, who arrived in France at age thirteen.

Arrested in summer 2005 and placed under investigation for these crimes, Okpara was sentenced to thirteen years in prison, a sentence reduced to ten years on appeal and confirmed by the Court of Cassation. His wife Linda received fifteen years in prison, found guilty of rape, exploitation and acts of torture against the teenager.

The former Nigerian international benefited from early release for good conduct. Upon his release from detention, he was deported from French territory and returned to his native country.

Okpara’s legal troubles did not end there. In November 2017, he was brought before a court in Ikeja, Lagos, for domestic violence against his wife — the couple having stayed together despite their lengthy prison sentences. He allegedly struck her with a stick and other objects, causing her injuries. A video of the assault circulated at the time. Pleading not guilty, the former teammate of Jay-Jay Okocha was placed under judicial supervision and released on bail, without returning to prison for this matter.

Since then, Okpara has reportedly worked in scouting young Nigerian players for European clubs.