Ogona Anita
The sports community in Anambra State and beyond has expressed outrage over the reported police brutality against former Super Falcons captain Maureen Mmadu and a player from her female academy, who was left bleeding from severe injuries. The incident, allegedly led by SP of the Anti-Cultism Unit, Zone 13 Ukpo, who is Known, has drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for justice growing louder.
According to reports, the altercation stemmed from an unsubstantiated petition filed by a parent, Uchenna, against Mmadu, accusing her of crimes ranging from cultism to child trafficking. Security operatives reportedly stormed the Ozubulu camp of Maureen Kiddies Football Academy, beating players indiscriminately with gun butts, destroying phones, and detaining Mmadu without proper investigation or a warrant.
The player, a minor who sustained visible facial injuries, was among those assaulted during the raid. Witnesses described the scene as a display of inhumanity, leaving the football community shaken and appalled.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, Mmadu recounted her ordeal and called for justice. She detailed how she had cared for Uchenna’s daughter for four months after he abandoned the girl at her academy, refusing repeated invitations to check on her. Despite providing for the girl’s needs, Mmadu faced an unjustified onslaught when Uchenna filed a baseless petition against her.
“They handcuffed me like a common thief, beat my players, and smashed our phones. Some players are in the hospital now,” Mmadu said, visibly distressed. “I feel humiliated, and my image has been tarnished. I demand justice for myself, my academy, and my players.”
The incident has sparked outrage among sports enthusiasts and human rights activists, who view the police’s actions as a gross abuse of power. Stakeholders have called on the Anambra State Commissioner of Police and the AIG Zone 13 to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice.
Maureen Mmadu, a decorated football veteran with five Olympic appearances, has dedicated her post-retirement career to nurturing grassroots football talent in Nigeria. The attack on her and her academy has raised questions about the safety of individuals working to develop sports and youth in the country.
The sports world stands united against this act of brutality and demands accountability from the police. Justice for Maureen Mmadu and her academy players is not only necessary for their healing but also critical for restoring trust in law enforcement.
