The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued a 36-year-old woman who was allegedly held captive by her brother for more than one year and four months in a disturbing case uncovered in Abuja.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed the incident while briefing journalists on Monday, describing the victim’s condition as one of the most inhumane situations officers had encountered.
According to the Commissioner, the police received a distress report on Friday, June 12, 2026, alleging that Grace Aniekuoku had been chained and locked inside a room by her brother, Chinedu Aniekuoku.
Following the report, detectives from the Katampe Division were immediately deployed to the residence to verify the allegations and rescue the victim.
CP Sanusi explained that the suspect initially refused officers access to the property, forcing the police to invoke their legal powers of entry to gain access to the premises and carry out the rescue operation.
Upon entering the residence, officers discovered the woman living in deplorable conditions. She was reportedly confined in a room where she ate, slept and relieved herself without any form of care or sanitation.
The Police Commissioner said the victim appeared severely malnourished and physically weak, with signs of prolonged neglect after spending months in confinement without adequate welfare or medical attention.
She was immediately evacuated and taken to a medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment while authorities monitor her condition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly taken away the victim’s son to an unknown location about two years ago. Police believed the woman was subsequently confined to prevent her from questioning the child’s disappearance.
The suspect remained in police custody as investigations continued. Authorities were also intensifying efforts to locate the missing child, while the suspect is expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigation.
