Former Nigerian midfielder, Maureen Mmadu, was a victim of police brutality and is taking steps to see justice being served after an incident involving her Maureen Mmadu Kiddies Academy turned into a nightmare.
However, the ex-Super Falcon star’s efforts to get the authorities to investigate her complaint have hit a wall.
On October 9, anti-cult police invaded the academy in Anambra State, based on allegations levelled against Mmadu by one of the parents, Uchenna Onyekwunife, who accused her of child trafficking, armed gangsterism, and threat to life. The police, acting on no warrant, arrested Mmadu, allegedly assaulting players and destroying property.
“They handcuffed me, accusing me of being a kidnapper and a cultist,” Mmadu said.
“The players were injuredin the process, some ofwhom had to be hospitalized. The police promised to repair the destroyed phones and payfor medical bills but have done nothing,” she added.
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Former Nigerian midfielder Mmadu continues to seek justice for police brutality
Former Nigerian midfielder Maureen Mmadu seeks justice for police brutalitySince then, her efforts to get the authorities to investigate her complaint have been futile. According to Mmadu, the police have been unresponsive, sending her back and forth between their headquarters and Zone 13 in Dunukofia.
“We are here to seek justice and redress over what happened at our academy on October 9,” Mmadu said, as reported by Punch.
A peaceful protest led by the former footballer was dismissed on Tuesday when Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Obono Itam, ordered her group to disperse without addressing their grievances.
Mmadu, an accomplished figure in Nigerian football, having represented the Super Falcons in four FIFA Women‘s World Cups and two Olympic Games, is now demanding accountability. She wants her confiscated items returned, her accuser investigated, and justice for her injured players.
“This continuous back-and-forth must stop,” she insisted.
Mmadu was also part of the Super Falcons team that lifted the Women‘s Africa Cup of Nations in 2000. But her legacy as one of Nigeria‘s football legends now sharply contrasts with the fight for justice she faces today.
