Police Probe Father who Allegedly Chained Son for Five Years in Anambra

Shock and outrage have trailed the discovery of a young man, Chigbo, also known as Agudo, who was reportedly chained and locked away by his own father in Anambra State for five years.

The incident came to light after a video surfaced online showing members of Igboukwu community in Aguata Local Government Area rescuing the victim from a zinc-made hut. In the footage, locals revealed that since 2021, the family deceived them into believing Chigbo had travelled to the United Kingdom.

The young man, who showed no signs of mental illness, confirmed that he had been chained since July 3, 2021. “I have been here since July 3, 2021. I was kept in the rain for one month before I was brought inside here,” he narrated. Explaining further, he said, “I am not okay here, that is I shouted out that I am here… That is what they have been saying,” in reference to his family’s claims that he was abroad.

Responding to the disturbing revelation, the Anambra State Police Command said it has commenced investigations. Its spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the rescue in a statement issued on Sunday. “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 said.

According to him, preliminary inquiries are ongoing to verify the facts and ensure 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 added.

Ikenga disclosed that Chigbo is now receiving medical care, while the Commissioner of Police praised the community youths whose vigilance led to the shocking discovery. The police chief described their action as a model of effective community partnership in policing.