The Abia State Police Command have arrested a man, Uzoma Uwaeme, for allegedly stripping his 13-year-old son naked, tying him up and flogging him under the scorching sun in Aba.

The suspect, who is the teenager’s biological father, was arrested after a video showing the alleged abuse circulated widely on social media.

In the footage, the boy was seen tied with ropes, with visible injuries on his body, while allegedly being left exposed to the harsh weather conditions.

The command, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the boy’s mother had reportedly left the marriage.

Following the emergence of the video, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, directed officers from the Abayi Divisional Police Headquarters to trace and arrest the suspect.

Police operatives subsequently located Uwaeme at his residence on Nwokocha Street, off Udeabara Road, Aba, and took him into custody.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the teenager had been rescued and taken to a medical facility for treatment.

She added that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, while the suspect remained in police custody.

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

Afolabi condemned the alleged assault, describing it as inhumane and barbaric and a serious violation of the child’s rights.

The commissioner reiterated the command’s opposition to child abuse and domestic violence, assuring that the suspect would face prosecution in accordance with the law.

The police also appealed to residents to remain alert and report suspected cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s designated emergency contact lines.

The incident comes months after the Anambra State Police Command arrested a couple in June over the alleged physical abuse of a 10-year-old boy in their care.

The case had generated public outrage and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of laws protecting children from abuse.