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, following public outrage sparked by a disturbing video circulating on social media.
The video reportedly showed the young boy tied with a rope, stripped naked and severely flogged before being left exposed under the scorching sun with visible injuries.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, said the Command acted after the video came to its attention.
Following a directive from the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, operatives attached to the Abayi Divisional Police Headquarters moved to arrest the boy’s father, identified as Uzoma Uwaeme, a resident of Nwokocha Street, off Udeabara Road, Aba.
According to the police, the suspect is alleged to be responsible for the abuse captured in the viral video.
The Command disclosed that the boy’s mother had reportedly left the father, who has since remarried. Police did not, however, provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault or what may have triggered it.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, while the suspect remains in police custody.
The 13-year-old victim has received medical attention and is said to be in stable condition. He has also been placed under protective police custody as authorities continue their investigation.
Reacting to the incident, CP Afolabi strongly condemned the treatment allegedly meted out to the child, describing it as “inhumane, barbaric and a gross violation of the rights of the child.”
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on child abuse and domestic violence, assuring that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of investigations.
The police also appealed to parents, guardians, neighbours and other members of the public not to remain silent when they witness signs of abuse against children or other vulnerable persons.
Residents were urged to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s designated communication channels.
The Abia State Police Command reiterated that it remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity and safety of residents, particularly children and other vulnerable members of society.
