The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into a disturbing case involving a young man identified as Chigbo, popularly known as Agudo, who was reportedly chained inside a hut by his father for five years.
A video circulating on social media captured the moment Chigbo, a native of Igboukwu community in Aguata Local Government Area, was rescued by members of his community.
In the footage, residents revealed that since 2021, Chigbo’s family had falsely told the community that he had traveled to the United Kingdom and had not returned.
Chigbo, who displayed no visible signs of mental disorder, confirmed in the video that he had been chained by his hands and legs and confined to a dungeon on July 3, 2021, for reasons he says he does not understand.
“I have been here since July 3, 2021. I was kept in the rain for one month before I was brought inside here,” he said, referring to the shelter made of old zinc where he was rescued.
“I am not okay here, that is I shouted out that I am here,” he said, confirming that his family had been telling people that he travelled abroad, saying, “That is what they have been saying.”
With the reason for his father’s action yet unknown, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed Chigbo’s rescue in a statement issued on Sunday, said the command has launched an investigation into the matter.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed Police operatives to immediately investigate a disturbing report circulating in the media regarding a young man identified as Chogbo (popularly known as Agudo) from Igboukwu, who was allegedly kept in chains for 5 years by his father with claims that he had travelled abroad,” Ikenga stated.
He said preliminary inquiries are ongoing to establish the facts and safeguard the victim’s well-being.
“The Command assures that where culpability is established, those responsible will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” he said.
The police spokesperson said the rescued victim is receiving necessary care and that the police commissioner commended the youths of the community for the proactive role they played in uncovering the incident.
The police boss in the state described their action as a clear example of community partnership in policing.
