The video reportedly showed the boy tied with a rope, brutally flogged, injured, stripped naked and left exposed under the scorching sun.
Uwaeme, a resident of Nwokocha Street, off Udeabara Road, Aba, was arrested by operatives of the Abayi Divisional Police Headquarters on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.
The suspect was identified as the father of the victim and is being investigated over his alleged involvement in the abuse.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka.
According to the statement, the command was alerted to the incident after the video began circulating on social media.
The police said preliminary information indicated that the boy’s mother had left him in his father’s care, adding that Uwaeme had subsequently remarried.
Following his arrest, the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, while the suspect remained in police custody.
The command said the victim had been rescued, provided with medical attention and was in stable condition. He is currently being kept under the protective custody of the police.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police condemned the alleged treatment of the child, describing it as inhumane, barbaric and a violation of the rights of a child.
Afolabi reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for child abuse and domestic violence, assuring that the suspect would face prosecution if found culpable.
The command also called on residents to promptly report cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other criminal activities to the nearest police station or through its designated communication channels.
The police assured the public of its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and safety of residents, particularly children and other vulnerable persons.
