The Abia State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Uzoma Uwaeme over the alleged brutal abuse of his 13-year-old son in Aba, Abia State.
The arrest followed the circulation of a viral video on social media showing the boy allegedly tied with a rope, severely flogged, injured, stripped naked and left exposed under the scorching sun.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, said the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Abayi Divisional Police Headquarters on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.
Uwaeme, a resident of Nwokocha Street, off Udeabara Road, Aba, was identified by the police as the father of the 13-year-old victim.
According to the Command, the boy’s mother had allegedly left him, while his father had remarried.
The police said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation, while the suspect remains in police custody.
The victim, according to the statement, has received medical attention and is in stable condition. He is currently being kept under the protective custody of the police.
Reacting to the incident, CP Afolabi strongly condemned the alleged abuse, describing it as “inhumane, barbaric” and a gross violation of the rights of the child.
The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for all forms of child abuse and domestic violence, assuring members of the public that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s dedicated contact lines.
The Abia State Police Command said it remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity and well-being of residents, particularly vulnerable members of society.
