The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued a 36-year-old woman, Grace Aniekuoku, who was allegedly chained and confined by her brother for over 16 months in Abuja.
According to the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Sanusi, the rescue operation followed a distress report received on June 12, 2026, alleging that the victim was being unlawfully detained under inhumane conditions by her brother, Chinedu Aniekuoku.
The Police Commissioner disclosed that detectives from the Katampe Division were immediately deployed to the location. Upon arrival, the suspect reportedly resisted officers and denied them access to the premises.
Police officers subsequently forced entry into the room where the victim was discovered chained, severely malnourished, and living under deplorable sanitary conditions.
The suspect was arrested at the scene, while the victim was rescued and taken to a medical facility where she is currently receiving treatment and rehabilitation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly took the victim's son to an unknown location about two years ago. Police believe the prolonged confinement may have been intended to prevent the woman from questioning the whereabouts of her child.
The FCT Police Command said efforts are ongoing to locate the missing child, while investigations continue. The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and urged residents to promptly report cases of abuse, unlawful detention, and other criminal activities to law enforcement authorities.
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Crime