The Abia State Police Command has arrested a man accused of brutally abusing his 13-year-old son in Aba.
The arrest followed the circulation of a viral video showing the boy tied with a rope, severely flogged, stripped naked and left exposed under the scorching sun.
The suspect, identified as Uzoma 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.
According to the Police, Uwaeme is the father of the victim and allegedly subjected the boy to the abuse after his mother reportedly left him and he remarried.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation, while the suspect remains in police custody.
The victim has received medical attention and is said to be in stable condition. He is currently under the protective custody of the Police.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, condemned the incident, describing the act as “inhumane, barbaric” and a gross violation of the child’s rights.
Afolabi reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for child abuse and domestic violence, assuring that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other criminal activities to the nearest police station.
