Former Super Falcons midfielder, Maureen Mmadu is demanding justice following claims of defamation, unlawful arrest, and brutal treatment by officers of the Anambra State Police Command.
The incident, which occurred in October, also involved players from her Maureen Mmadu Kiddies Academy. The controversy began when a parent, Uchenna Onyekwunife, accused Mmadu of armed gangsterism, child trafficking, and threats to life in a petition. On Wednesday, the 49-year-old ex-international met with Anambra Police officials in the wake of widespread public outcry. Following the meeting, the police, through their Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed they had launched an investigation into the alleged misconduct.
“The State Police Command is deeply concerned about the incident, particularly regarding the alleged human rights violations. The ex-international player and her team were invited for interviews to establish the facts,” Ikenga stated.
“The alleged unprofessional conduct by police operatives will be thoroughly investigated.”
Mmadu Recounts Ordeal
Mmadu described the events leading to her arrest, stating that Onyekwunife had entrusted his daughter to her for football training during the school holidays. Despite repeated invitations to visit the camp, Onyekwunife declined, only sending money for the girl’s basic needs.
As school resumed, Mmadu asked the parent to retrieve his child, but he allegedly abandoned the responsibility, asking her to find a school for the girl. When she refused, a cab driver was sent to pick up the girl in late September, but the player refused to leave with him, claiming she didn’t know the driver.
On October 9, Mmadu said security operatives stormed her Ozubulu camp, assaulting her and the players before taking her into custody in handcuffs.
“They handcuffed me like a common thief, seized my phone and my players’ phones, beat everyone, and left some in the hospital,” she said. “I was detained overnight without being allowed to speak.”
Calls for Accountability
Mmadu has provided police with the names of officers involved and is demanding reparations for the damages inflicted on her and her players, including compensation for smashed phones and medical expenses.
“What I want is for my name to be cleared. They defamed my character and damaged my reputation. I also want everything they destroyed to be replaced, including the phones and money spent on hospital bills,” she said.
She further called for an investigation into Onyekwunife’s allegations, accusing him of abandoning his daughter and filing false claims.
“The man who petitioned against me should be thoroughly investigated and made to defend his frivolous accusations.”
Police Response
The Anambra Police assured the public of a fair investigation. “Efforts to resolve the case are ongoing, and we will look into the alleged unprofessional conduct of our officers,” the police stated.
The incident has sparked significant public interest, with many calling for justice and improved accountability within the police force.
