Former Super Falcons midfielder Maureen Mmadu is pursuing justice after a troubling incident involving defamation, unlawful arrest, and alleged police brutality against her and players from her academy. The Anambra State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the matter following public outcry and Mmadu’s meeting with police officials on Wednesday.
The ordeal began in October when Uchenna Onyekwunife, the parent of one of Mmadu’s players at her Maureen Mmadu Kiddies Academy, accused her of armed gangsterism, child trafficking, and threats to life. Acting on these accusations, police officers reportedly stormed Mmadu’s camp, arresting her and brutalizing her players without proper investigation.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the command is reviewing allegations of human rights violations by its officers. Ikenga stated, “The alleged police unprofessional conduct by the Ex-Falcon footballer shall, however, be looked into.”
Mmadu provided police investigators with the names of the officers involved, seeking both a public exoneration and reparations for the damages incurred during the incident.
“I want my name cleared,” Mmadu asserted. “When justice is done, I will move on. But they defamed my personality, destroyed property, and inflicted injuries on us. Everything must be repaid.”
She recounted the events leading to her arrest, explaining that Onyekwunife had left his daughter at her academy for four months without visiting or fulfilling his parental duties. Attempts to return the girl to him escalated into a confrontation when the child refused to leave with a cab driver Onyekwunife sent.
On October 9, police operatives reportedly stormed the academy in Ozubulu, assaulting players and staff before arresting Mmadu.
“They handcuffed me like a thief, seized my phone and my players’ phones, beat us, and detained me overnight without allowing me to explain myself,” Mmadu said.
She expressed frustration over the damage to her reputation and the physical harm to her players. “All I am asking for is justice. My image has been severely damaged, and I feel embarrassed. The phones must be returned, and the man who made these false claims must be held accountable.”
The Anambra State Police Command has promised to investigate the matter, and another meeting is scheduled to address the grievances.
