The Anambra State Police Command has announced that it has commenced investigations to arrest and prosecute the security personnel involved in the assault on former Nigerian Super Falcons player, Maureen Madu, and the children of Maureen Kiddies Football Academy for Boys and Girls.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Awka on Wednesday.

This was in response to a protest staged at the Command headquarters in Amawbia-Awka by Maureen Madu, accompanied by members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra State Chapter.

It was gathered that Madu, a veteran Super Falcons striker and five-time Olympian, has demanded justice over her alleged dehumanisation by security personnel. The incident reportedly followed an uninvestigated petition against her by one Mr. Uchenna, a parent of one of her students.

Madu, the proprietor of the Football Academy, narrated her ordeal to journalists at the Command, stating that Uchenna had handed over his daughter to her in Awka in June for basic football training during the long holiday.

She explained that, “Despite inviting Uchenna to visit, he declined and never showed up, instead sending money for the child’s needs, including underwear and sanitary pads.”

She added that, “When it was time for school resumption, I invited Uchenna to take his child, but he asked me to find a school and enrol her, which I turned down, saying it wasn’t my duty.”

She continued that Uchenna abandoned his daughter with her for four months without showing up until he sent a cab driver to pick her up in late September.

However, on October 9, security personnel stormed the Ozubulu Camp of the Academy, beating everyone in sight, including players, and taking Madu away in handcuffs.

The petition, signed by B.B.M. Maduekwe Esq. on Oct. 7, 2024, alleged “armed gangsterism, cultism, attempted murder, child trafficking, and threat to life” against Maureen Madu.

Madu claimed that the personnel, without investigating the allegations or producing a warrant, forced their way into the camp, traumatised the players, seized their phones, handcuffed her, and threw her into their vehicle.

“After feeding the girl for four months without paying any upkeep, they came with men from the Anti-Cult Unit, Ukpo,” Madu said.

She added that, “They handcuffed me like a common thief, seized my phone and those of my players, beat them, and some ended up in the hospital.”

“All I ask for is justice; my image has been severely damaged, and I feel very embarrassed. The police should return all the phones in their possession,” she appealed.

“The man who abandoned his child and petitioned against me should be investigated and made to defend his frivolous claims,” Madu stated.

Madu, who recently represented Avaldsnes IL, a first-division team based on Norway’s West Coast, returned to Nigeria to contribute to football development.

Reacting further to the development, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command has commenced investigations and moves to resolve the conflict.

According to him, the State Police Command is deeply concerned about the incident, particularly as it involves allegations of human rights violations. He noted that the command had invited the ex-international player and members of her team to clarify the facts.

“It is pertinent to note that after the necessary interview with the victims, it was discovered that the incident happened a few months ago and that there have been ongoing efforts to resolve the case between the parties concerned. The alleged police unprofessional conduct by the ex-Falcon footballer shall, however, be looked into,” he said.

“To this end, the Command sues for calm to all quarters concerned and states that under the leadership of CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, it remains committed and accountable in strengthening the relationship with members of the public, especially Ndi Anambra,” he added. (Nigerian Tribune)