The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the chaining of a young man, identified as Chigbo, by his father since July 2021.

The command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development but did not disclose whether any arrests had been made. Chigbo was rescued at the weekend by angry youths in Etiti village, Igboukwu town, Anambra State.

The victim, popularly known as Agudo and the only son of his mother, was alleged to have travelled to China about five years ago. Unknown to his friends and associates, his father had placed him in chains and locked him in the family hut.

Sources revealed that the man’s father and second wife deceived people into believing that he had travelled abroad in search of greener pastures, until the truth came to light. The father, a native doctor, reportedly carried out the act with the support of his second wife.

The reason the father decided to chain his son’s hands, lock his legs, and keep him in isolation for years remains unclear. An unconfirmed source alleged that the father, known to be a feared native doctor, may have done so for ritual purposes. However, the owner of the house where Chigbo was held claimed he had mental health challenges, which led to his confinement.

Investigations revealed that the young man had been raising his bound hands to attract the attention of passersby, which eventually alerted community members. A video clip that has since gone viral showed angry youths confronting Chigbo’s father, who callously declared that it was nobody’s business whether his son was dead or alive.

Following his response, the youths approached the man’s second wife, who reluctantly led them to where the malnourished victim was being kept. They discovered Chigbo abandoned in a hut, barely fed, with his hands tied and legs chained with padlocks.

The furious youths struggled for about 30 minutes to break the rusted padlocks before eventually setting him free. Condemnations filled the air as Chigbo revealed he had been confined since July 3, 2021, and had desperately tried to signal for help.

Ikenga said the police had seen the viral video and assured that investigations were ongoing to gather more details.He said: “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 five years by his father with claims that he had travelled abroad.

”Preliminary inquiries are ongoing to establish the facts, 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.

”Meanwhile, the victim has been rescued and is receiving necessary care. The Command commends youths of the community for the proactive role they played in uncovering the incident, describing their action as a clear example of community partnership in policing. Further development shall be communicated.”