Father Arrested After Viral Video Shows 13-Year-Old Son Tied, Brut∆lly Flogged In Abia
Father Arrested After Viral Video Shows 13-Year-Old Son Tied, Brutally Flogged In Abia
The police said the suspect was identified as the father of the 13-year-old victim and was allegedly responsible for the abuse.
The Abia State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Uzoma Uwaeme after a viral video showed his 13-year-old son tied with a rope, brutally flogged, severely injured and left naked under the scorching sun
The command said Uwaeme, a resident of Nwokocha Street, off Udeabara Road, Aba, was arrested by operatives of the Abayi Divisional Police Headquarters on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.
The police said the suspect was identified as the father of the 13-year-old victim and was allegedly responsible for the abuse.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the command said it became aware of the incident through the video circulating on social media.
“The Abia State Police Command is aware of a viral video circulating on social media, depicting a young boy who was tied with a rope, brutally flogged, severely injured, stripped naked, and left exposed under the scorching sun,” the statement said.
The police said the boy’s mother had allegedly left him in his father’s care, adding that Uwaeme had remarried.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, while the suspect remains in police custody.
The command said the victim had received medical attention and was in stable condition.
“He is currently under the protective custody of the Police,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police condemned the alleged abuse, describing it as “inhumane, barbaric, and a gross violation of the rights of the child.”
Afolabi reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for child abuse and domestic violence and assured the public that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The command also urged members of the public to report cases of child abuse and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or through its dedicated communication lines.
“The Abia State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of all residents, especially vulnerable members of society,” the statement said.
