Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested three persons for allegedly torturing and abusing a 10-year-old boy at Odume Layout, Isiowulu community in Idemili North Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday. He identified the suspects as Chukwudi Chukwuyere, 40; Chisom Chukwuyere, 30; and Arum Goodluck, 16.
According to Ikenga, preliminary investigations revealed that the victim sustained multiple injuries across his body. He said Mrs Chisom Chukwuyere allegedly confessed during interrogation to using melted plastic to inflict burns on the child.
“The victim has since been provided with medical care and other necessary support, while investigators continue to gather evidence to facilitate prosecution,” the police spokesperson stated.
The case came to light after videos showing the boy with severe bodily injuries circulated on social media, sparking public outrage. The Anambra State Government confirmed that the child is receiving treatment under state protection.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Esther Onyekesi, said the boy’s welfare is being prioritised. The First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, also visited the hospital and pledged to take full responsibility for the boy’s rehabilitation and specialised medical care.
What the law says
Legal experts say the suspects may be prosecuted under multiple Nigerian laws. The Child Rights Act 2003, which Anambra domesticated in 2004, makes child abuse and torture an offence punishable by imprisonment or fine.
Section 338 of the Criminal Code Act, applicable in Southern Nigeria, prescribes up to 3 years imprisonment for causing grievous harm. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 also criminalises physical injury, with penalties of up to 5 years if grievous harm is proven.
The Constitution further guarantees every person’s right to dignity and prohibits torture or inhuman treatment.
For the 16-year-old suspect, police sources said he may be tried under the Children’s Court as a “child in conflict with the law,” where the focus is on rehabilitation rather than jail.
Police said the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for detailed inquiries. Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, urged residents to report cases of child abuse to the nearest police station.
