The Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), Chikelue ‘General’ Iloenyosi has called on the Zone 13 of the Nigeria Police in Ukpo for more investigations into the embarrassing arrest of Nigeria women’s football legend, Maureen Mmadu in handcuffs.
The ANSFA Chairman decried the invasion of the Maureen Mmadu Kiddies Academy (MMKA) in Ozubulu and the beating up of her players by officers from the Anti Cult unit in Ukpo, Dunukofia LGA of the State.
The Anambra State FA boss had quickly waded into the matter the moment he was informed by asking one of his aides, Ifeanyi Ojukwu to quickly rush to the rescue of the ex-International, Mmadu.
“I rushed to Zone 13 of the Nigeria Police Force as soon as the FA Chairman was called, Mmadu had sent a protest to the zone after her arrest, DCP (CID) Umar Muhammad who is incharge of investigations in the zone through ACP (CID) Mrs Jane Mbanefo invited the men of the Anti Cult unit Ukpo and asked them questions and established that the arrest was lacking and lambasted them for not investigating before embarking on the embarrassing arrest and tarnishing of Mmadu’s image.” Ojukwu narrated.
“Earlier I met with the Petitioner, Mr Uchenna Onyekwunife and the men of the anti cult unit in Ukpo”
“The petitioner denied knowledge of the content of the petition his lawyer wrote saying that those were never what he asked him to write against Mmadu.”
The Officers who went for the operations later admitted that they were misled.
DCP Muhammad then ordered their arrest and detention as well as that of the petitioner for their brazen operations in the arrest and detention of the former four-time Nigerian Women’s World Cup star.
DCP Mohammed also ordered that all the destroyed items of the players including their phones must be replaced by the officers while investigations Continue.
The Anambra State FA vowed that it will not rest until Mmadu gets her respect and honour back while also stating that the good relationship between the Police and the FA remains strong.
Iloenyosi however called for more investigations and subsequent punishment of the officers and the girl’s father as well as the lawyer that sent a petition filled with falsehood.
In July 2023 Iloenyosi had paid a courtesy call on the then Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Olufemi Adeoye who promised to support the growth of the game in the State.
The current CP, Mr Nnaghe Obono Itam has continued the cordial relationship.
The whole case started when a petition of Armed Gangsterism, Cultism, attempted murder, Child Trafficking and Threat to Life by a parent of one of the girls in the camp, Emmanuella Onyekwunife who Mmadu said was handed over to her by same parent (petitioner) for the summer football coaching.
Mmadu (49) had an illustrious football career for Clubs and Country.
She played for several Clubs in Nigeria and Europe and was one of the most capped Nigerian women’s players.
She played at four Women’s World Cup, five Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and appeared at two Olympic Games in 2000 & 2004.
