Authorities have launched an investigation into the controversial death of a 26-year-old bricklayer, Ndudi Mmadudilim, who reportedly died while in the custody of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Anambra State.
The directive was issued by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 13, Godwin Iguh-Eze, following a facility inspection at the RRS headquarters in Akwuzu.
The visit uncovered troubling revelations that the deceased had allegedly died in detention as far back as 2024 without any formal notification to his family.
Mmadudilim, a native of Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, was reportedly rearrested shortly after being granted bail in August 2024 over allegations of cultism and unlawful possession of a firearm.
His family claims that after the rearrest, all attempts to locate or gain access to him were unsuccessful.
During the inspection, officers initially denied knowledge of the case.
However, a subsequent review of records reportedly confirmed that the detainee had died in custody nearly two years earlier.
This revelation sparked outrage from the AIG, who questioned the failure of officers to inform the family despite having complete records, including the deceased’s address.
“You had the case file, you knew his details, yet the family was left in the dark. This raises serious concerns,” the AIG reportedly stated, warning that the matter would not be overlooked.
He has since ordered the Anambra State Commissioner of Police to conduct a full investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of death.
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All officers attached to the unit are to be interrogated, with assurances that anyone found culpable will face disciplinary and possible criminal action.
Further allegations from police sources suggest that the deceased may have died as a result of torture shortly after his rearrest, with his remains allegedly deposited in an undisclosed mortuary.
The discovery has left the family devastated. His elder sister, Lilian Mmadudilim, reportedly collapsed upon hearing the news at the police station. She later accused the police of concealing her brother’s death and obstructing the family’s efforts to locate him.
“We were bringing food and money, but they never allowed us to see him. Now they are telling us he died long ago. We want justice,” she said.
The family also alleged that the case may have been influenced by a personal dispute involving a vigilante leader who initially arrested the deceased.
According to them, the evidence presented in court was weak, leading to his bail before he was allegedly rearrested at the court premises.
The AIG has also ordered a comprehensive reform of the RRS facility, which he described as notorious for complaints including unlawful detention, intimidation, denial of bail, and abuse of suspects.
The Inspector-General of Police is said to be closely monitoring the case and has requested a detailed report as investigations continue.
The family is demanding full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding Mmadudilim’s death, including the exact location of his remains.
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