The Abia State Police Command has made significant strides in the investigation of a tragic incident in Umuobiala, Isikwuato Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of Agbuagwu Augustine, 48, and his son, Chigozie. The arrests follow allegations that the duo fatally beat Augustine’s teenage daughter, Uzoamaka, to death.

Uzoamaka, aged 18, was the fourth child in a family of eight and a Senior Secondary School 3 student at the Queen of Apostles Catholic Church school in Umuobiala. She was one of four female students sponsored on scholarship since 2018 by Winson Tinubu, a Nigerian based in the United States.

According to reports on Vanguard, on December 4, 2023, the suspects allegedly subjected Uzoamaka to severe beatings, resulting in a broken spinal cord. 

Despite her critical condition, Uzoamaka did not receive medical attention until her passing, nearly a month later.

Expressing his shock and concern, Tinubu, from his residence in Miami, Florida, urged for a thorough investigation into the incident. 

He emphasized the care and support provided to Uzoamaka and her fellow scholarship recipients, expressing disbelief at the tragic turn of events.

Tinubu recounted the events leading to Uzoamaka’s demise: “On the morning of January 17, 2024, I received a text from Kathy in the U.K saying that Uzoamaka was sick. She had been beaten so severely by her older brother and as a result, was paralyzed down one side of her body and bedridden.”

The family claimed the beating was a form of discipline, citing financial constraints as the reason for not seeking immediate medical assistance for Uzoamaka.

Following community reports, the Ovim Police Division in Isikwuato acted swiftly, arresting Augustine and his son. Augustine justified his actions as disciplinary measures, stating, “I saw my younger sister and her friend in the company of two boys, inside a vehicle, on December 4, 2023. When I asked where they were going, she said they were going to repair their phones. I told them to come down from the vehicle and go home.”

Spokesperson for the Abia State Police Command, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the arrests and assured that investigations were ongoing. “The arrest was made by the Divisional Police Station, Isikwuator and that the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation,” she stated.

The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further scrutiny, while Uzoamaka’s body has been deposited at the morgue pending further procedures.