Awka, Anambra State – A cloud of controversy has enveloped the Anambra State Police Command following revelations that a 26-year-old bricklayer, identified as Ndudi Valentine Mmadudilim, allegedly died while in police custody, with his family remaining unaware of his fate for nearly two years.
The incident came to light after the family of the deceased repeatedly demanded answers regarding his whereabouts, claiming he had been missing since 2024 following his arrest and detention by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Akwuzu, Anambra State.
According to family members, Mmadudilim, an indigene of Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, was initially arrested in connection with a criminal case. They alleged that after obtaining bail through a court process, he was rearrested by security operatives and subsequently transferred to the RRS facility.
Despite numerous inquiries and efforts to locate him, relatives said they received no concrete information from law enforcement authorities regarding his condition or whereabouts. The family later petitioned relevant authorities, demanding that he be produced either alive or dead.
The matter took a dramatic turn when the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 13, Godwin Iguh-Eze, visited the RRS facility following directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. During a review of records and interactions with officers, it was reportedly discovered that Mmadudilim had died while in custody in 2024.
The revelation reportedly shocked senior police authorities, particularly after it emerged that the deceased’s family had never been officially informed of his death despite police records containing details that could have facilitated contact with his relatives.
Further reports indicate that Mmadudilim’s remains were deposited in a mortuary, where they allegedly remained for nearly two years without the knowledge of his family. Questions have also been raised regarding whether all legal and procedural requirements surrounding the death of a detainee were properly followed.
In response, the AIG ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bricklayer’s arrest, detention, death, and the apparent failure of officers to notify his family. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State has also been directed to determine whether any officers were negligent or engaged in misconduct.
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