The Abia State Police Command has arraigned a man, Uzoma Uwaeme, accused of gruesomely abusing his 13-year-old son, as the command assured a delegation from the British High Commission of its preparedness to provide security for the 2027 general elections.

The suspect was arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction following the conclusion of investigations by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

He has subsequently been remanded in correctional custody.

The police also said the 13-year-old victim had been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs for proper care, rehabilitation and continued protection.

The development was contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, who said the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, had reiterated the command’s commitment to securing justice for victims of abuse and holding perpetrators accountable under the law.

The police urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report cases of child abuse, domestic violence and other criminal activities to the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, the command has reaffirmed its readiness to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Afolabi gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the British High Commission Nigeria Political Team, led by the Second Secretary Political, Wendy Shepherd, at the command headquarters in Umuahia on Wednesday.

The visit focused on the command’s preparedness for the elections, citizen engagement, collaboration with political parties and measures being taken to promote peaceful and secure elections in the state.

Afolabi told the delegation that the command was committed to a peaceful, secure and credible electoral process, adding that officers were undergoing training and retraining to strengthen professionalism, operational readiness and intelligence-led policing.

He also highlighted the command’s collaboration with sister security agencies, saying he had undertaken strategic visits to relevant agencies to strengthen inter-agency synergy and unity of purpose ahead of the elections.

The commissioner further pointed to the ongoing Community Safety Partnership Initiative as part of efforts to deepen engagement with residents, promote public safety education and foster cooperation between the police and communities.

He said the command remained apolitical but would continue to deploy overt and covert operational strategies to proactively address security concerns and maintain law and order across the state in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

The police commissioner also assured that the command would continue working with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to protect children and safeguard the rights and welfare of residents across Abia State.