A 17-year-old boy, Samuel Onyeme, was reportedly beaten and locked in a dog cage on Sunday after visiting his female classmate, Anastasia Celestine, in Asaba, Delta State.
According to Samuel’s mother, Mrs. Onyeme, the incident happened around 6:00 pm when her son went to the Celestine residence after being invited by Anastasia.
“My son said they were discussing outside the house when Anastasia’s father and two brothers attacked him,” Mrs. Onyeme told The PUNCH.
“They dragged him into their compound, beat him with wooden planks, and locked him in a dog cage. They even seized his phone and called me, pretending to invite me over.”
She added that when she arrived, she was denied access to her son for two hours. Samuel’s sister, Jessica, who tried to seek help, was also assaulted by the Celestine family.
The matter escalated when Samuel’s elder brother, Ben, contacted a family friend, who involved a human rights group. Police officers were eventually mobilized, and Samuel was rescued from the dog cage at about 10:00 pm.
Human rights activist Victor Ojei, who reported the case to the Delta State Police Command, described the act as “barbaric and inhumane.”
In a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ojei called for the prosecution of Anastasia’s father, Mr. Celestine, and his sons for kidnapping, unlawful detention, assault, and attempted murder.
“Locking a boy in a dog cage and assaulting him with wooden planks is a violation of the law. We also demand justice for the psychological trauma inflicted on him,” Ojei said.
Samuel is currently receiving treatment at the Asaba Specialist Hospital for the injuries and trauma he suffered.
When contacted, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, stated he had not yet received a report on the case.
