The Anambra State Police Command has begun an investigation into the disturbing case of a young man, identified as Chigbo, who was reportedly chained and locked away by his father for over four years.
The state police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development on Sunday, noting that the victim was rescued at the weekend by irate youths in Etiti village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of the state. Ikenga, however, declined to confirm whether any arrests had been made.
Chigbo, popularly called Agudo and said to be his mother’s only son, was believed by friends and neighbours to have travelled to China about five years ago. Unknown to them, his father, a native doctor, allegedly kept him in chains inside the family hut with the help of his second wife.
The motive behind the confinement remains unclear. While some sources allege that the act was linked to ritual purposes, another account suggested that the young man had mental health challenges, which led to his isolation.
Community members became suspicious after Chigbo was repeatedly seen raising his bound hands through an opening in the hut, apparently trying to draw attention. A viral video of the rescue operation showed angry youths confronting the father, who reportedly said it was “nobody’s business” whether his son was alive or dead.
After a heated exchange, the second wife reluctantly led the youths to the secluded hut, where they found Chigbo malnourished, his wrists tied and legs shackled with rusty padlocks. It reportedly took about 30 minutes to break the locks before freeing him.
The victim later disclosed that he had been chained since July 3, 2021.
Police authorities said they had reviewed the viral footage and assured the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated. Ikenga said:
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered operatives to immediately investigate this disturbing report. Preliminary inquiries are ongoing to establish the facts and ensure the victim’s well-being. Where culpability is established, those responsible will be held accountable in line with the law.”
Ikenga added that Chigbo is now receiving care and commended the youths for their swift intervention, describing their action as “a clear example of community partnership in policing.”
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