ABA — Police in Abia State have arrested a man accused of tying up, stripping and severely flogging his 13 year old son after a disturbing video of the alleged abuse circulated widely on social media.

The suspect, identified by police as Uzoma Uwaeme, was arrested at his residence in Aba following a directive from the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.

The Abia State Police Command said officers acted after becoming aware of a viral video that reportedly showed the teenager tied with rope, stripped naked and visibly injured after allegedly being flogged and left exposed under the scorching sun.

The boy has since been rescued and taken for medical treatment.

Police spokesperson DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka said the child is in stable condition and has been placed under protective police custody while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse.

Uwaeme remains in police custody.

VIRAL VIDEO TRIGGERS POLICE ACTION

According to the police, the video circulating online drew attention to the treatment of the teenager and prompted Commissioner Afolabi to order immediate action.

Officers attached to the Abayi Divisional Police Headquarters subsequently located and arrested Uwaeme at his residence on Nwokocha Street, off Udeabara Road in Aba.

Police identified Uwaeme as the biological father of the child.

The command said the boy's mother had reportedly left the relationship and that his father had since remarried, although authorities have not publicly established what led to the alleged assault.

The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation, as the suspect is in Police custody,” Chinaka said.

“The victim has received medical attention, is in stable condition, and is currently under the protective custody of the Police.”

Police have not announced formal charges against Uwaeme.

The allegations remain under investigation, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless convicted by a court.

POLICE CONDEMN TREATMENT OF CHILD

Commissioner Afolabi strongly condemned the alleged treatment of the teenager.

The police statement described the incident as inhumane and barbaric and said such treatment represented a serious violation of the child's rights.

Afolabi reiterated the command's zero tolerance for child abuse and domestic violence and said the case would be pursued in accordance with the law.

The police said the investigation would seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident before the case proceeds to prosecution.

The child's immediate safety and medical condition remain a priority while investigators continue their work.

POLICE URGE PUBLIC TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE

The Abia State Police Command also appealed to members of the public to report suspected abuse involving children and other vulnerable people rather than remaining silent.

Residents who witness suspected child abuse, domestic violence or other criminal activity were urged to contact the nearest police station or use the command's official communication channels.

The case highlights the growing role of videos and other material shared on social media in drawing the attention of authorities to suspected abuse.

In this case, police said the viral footage prompted the intervention that led to the child's rescue and his father's arrest.

The teenager remains under protection while the State Criminal Investigation Department continues its investigation.

Police say Uwaeme will face prosecution in accordance with the law if investigators establish sufficient evidence to support charges.