A 36-year-old woman, Grace Aniekuoku, who was found chained and locked up in a room by her brother for more than 16 months has been rescued by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Abuja.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the rescue operation, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed on Monday, that the command received a distress report on June 12, 2026, alleging that the Anambra State indigene was being unlawfully detained under inhumane conditions by her brother, Chinedu Aniekuoku.
Sanusi, who said detectives from the Katampe Division were immediately deployed to the residence following the report, stated that the suspect became hostile and resisted the officers, denying them access to the premises where his sister was being held.
According to him, the officers consequently forced their way into the room and found the victim in chains, severely emaciated and living in deplorable sanitary conditions.
The police commissioner said the suspect was immediately arrested, while the victim was rescued and taken to a hospital where she is currently receiving medical treatment.
Preliminary investigations, he said, revealed that the suspect had allegedly taken the victim’s son to an unknown location about two years ago, adding that the Police believe the prolonged confinement may have been to prevent the woman from questioning the whereabouts of her missing child.
While disclosing that efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue the child, while the victim continued to receive medical care and rehabilitation., Sanusi added that the suspect, now in police custody, would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and urged residents to promptly report cases of abuse, unlawful detention and other criminal acts to law enforcement agencies.
