Outrage in Anambra as Police Confirm 26-Year-Old Died in Custody After Nearly Two Years of Silence

A major controversy has erupted in Anambra State after police authorities confirmed that a 26-year-old bricklayer, Ndudi Mmadudilim, died while in police custody, nearly two years after his family began searching for him.

The revelation emerged during an inspection visit to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) facility in Akwuzu by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Godwin Iguh-Eze.

The visit followed petitions and growing concerns surrounding Mmadudilim’s disappearance after he was allegedly rearrested by RRS operatives shortly after securing bail in a criminal case.

AIG Orders Immediate Investigation

Acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the AIG ordered the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, to launch a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young man’s death.

According to reports, officers initially denied any knowledge of the case. However, after a review of records dating back to 2024, police personnel reportedly admitted that Mmadudilim had died while in custody about two years ago.

The disclosure reportedly angered the AIG, who questioned why the family was never informed despite the police having access to the deceased’s records and home address.

“Somebody died since 2024 and you never notified the family. There should be more to it than what you are saying now,” the AIG reportedly told officers during the inspection.

Family Learns Truth After Two Years

The shocking revelation reportedly devastated members of the deceased’s family.

His elder sister, Lilian Mmadudilim, allegedly collapsed after learning that her brother had died in custody.

After recovering, she demanded answers regarding the location of his remains and the circumstances surrounding his death.

According to the family, they spent nearly two years searching for Ndudi, repeatedly visiting police facilities and submitting petitions over what they described as unlawful detention and disappearance.

Allegations of Torture and Cover-Up

Police sources reportedly alleged that Mmadudilim may have died after being subjected to torture following his rearrest.

The family claims officers never granted them meaningful access to him despite regularly bringing food and supplies to the station.

They also alleged that his body was deposited in a mortuary without their knowledge.

“Now my brother has truly died in police custody. We want justice. We want to know where his body is and what happened to him,” his sister said.

Questions Surround Rearrest

According to the family, Mmadudilim was initially arrested in 2023 over allegations linked to cultism and possession of a locally made firearm.

Court proceedings later reportedly exposed weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, leading to his release on bail in August 2024.

However, relatives claim he was immediately rearrested by RRS operatives at the court premises and was never seen again.

The family further alleged that the matter may have originated from a personal dispute rather than criminal activity.

Police Vow Accountability

The AIG has now ordered a complete review of operations at the RRS facility, which has long faced complaints involving unlawful detention, intimidation, denial of bail and alleged human rights abuses.

He warned that every officer connected to the matter would be questioned and that anyone found responsible would face disciplinary action and possible prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police is also said to be awaiting a detailed report on the case as pressure mounts for transparency and justice.