“No One Even Mentioned Drugs”
Radja Nainggolan, the former AS Roma and Belgian national team midfielder, has publicly addressed for the first time the controversial arrest that took place on January 27th, 2025, in Belgium. Appearing on the television program Bar Goens, aired on the Flemish network VTM, the current KSC Lokeren-Temse player opened up about the events and sought to clarify the public’s perception surrounding the investigation.
Nainggolan’s arrest made headlines due to its connection to a wide-ranging probe into international drug trafficking routes between South America and Europe. The former midfielder’s name was unexpectedly linked to the investigation, raising eyebrows across the football world and beyond. However, the man once nicknamed “The Ninja” was quick to dispute the narrative that followed in the media.
“People believe what they read in the newspaper,” Nainggolan said during the interview. “They think I’m the central figure in a drug case. But not a single question about drugs was even asked during my interrogation.” The former Roma star expressed frustration with how the situation was portrayed publicly and emphasized that the three-hour questioning session focused on entirely different aspects.
Nainggolan clarified that his involvement in the case stemmed from financial difficulties rather than any connection to narcotics. The player explained that his bank accounts had been frozen due to ongoing divorce proceedings, leaving him in a precarious financial position. In desperation, he borrowed money from various individuals — one of whom was Nasr-Eddine Sekkaki, a man with a well-documented criminal history in Belgium. Sekkaki is known to local authorities for multiple convictions related to robbery, theft, escape attempts, and drug trafficking. He is also the younger brother of the notorious criminal Ashraf Sekkaki.
“It wasn’t them who needed the money, it was me,” Nainggolan admitted. “I was in a tough spot financially. That’s the only reason I was in contact with certain people.” Despite the high-profile nature of the people involved, Nainggolan insists that he had no knowledge of any illegal activities and that his only concern was resolving his personal financial issues.
The arrest, while shocking, did not lead to immediate charges. Nainggolan was released shortly after the three-hour interrogation, and investigations are ongoing. At the time, it was left to the judge to determine whether to detain or release him, a decision that ultimately led to his release — albeit under the shadow of a lingering legal process.
Together with his legal team, Nainggolan continues to work to clear his name. He maintains his innocence and insists that his only mistake was accepting help from the wrong people at a vulnerable time. “I’m not involved in any drug case,” he reiterated. “The truth will come out.”
As the investigation continues, Nainggolan remains active with KSC Lokeren-Temse and hopes to move past the scandal that has temporarily clouded his career and reputation.