The Abia State Police Command has arrested a man, Uzoma Uwaeme, for allegedly stripping, tying up and beating his 13-year-old son under the sun in Aba.
The command disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. It said the suspect is the boy’s biological father and that the boy’s mother had reportedly left the marriage.
The case came to light after a video surfaced online showing the teenager bound with ropes, with visible injuries, and exposed to harsh weather.
Following the video, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, directed operatives of Abayi Divisional Police Headquarters to track and arrest the suspect at his residence on Nwokocha Street, off Udeabara Road, Aba.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the boy has been rescued and treated.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation, as the suspect is in Police custody.
The victim has received medical attention, is in stable condition, and is currently under the protective custody of the Police,” Chinaka stated.
CP Afolabi condemned the act, calling it “inhumane, barbaric, and a gross violation of the rights of the child.”
“He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for all forms of child abuse and domestic violence, and assured the public that the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement added.
The command urged residents to remain alert and report cases of abuse and criminality to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.