A shocking incident unfolded in Asaba, Delta State, where a 17-year-old student, Samuel Onyeme, was allegedly assaulted and locked in a dog cage after visiting his female classmate, Anastasia Celestine, on Sunday.

Mother Recounts the Ordeal

Samuel’s mother, Mrs. Onyeme, narrated the harrowing experience to PUNCH Metro, stating that her son, a Senior Secondary School student at Redeemers International High School, was invited by Anastasia to her residence.

During their discussion outside the Celestine residence, Samuel was reportedly attacked by Anastasia’s father and two brothers. Mrs. Onyeme revealed, “They dragged him into their compound, used wooden planks to assault him, and locked him inside a dog cage. They even confiscated his phone and lured me to the scene under false pretenses.”

She added that upon her arrival, she was prevented from seeing her son for two hours. Her daughter, Jessica, who tried to seek help, was also allegedly assaulted when she attempted to re-enter the compound.

Police Rescue and Legal Action

The situation escalated when Samuel’s elder brother, Ben, contacted a family friend, who reached out to a human rights organization. The group mobilized police officers, who rescued Samuel from the dog cage around 10:00 pm.

Human rights activist Victor Ojei described the act as “barbaric and inhumane” and petitioned the Delta State Police Command for an investigation. Ojei’s petition, also sent to the Attorney General and the National Human Rights Commission, called for the prosecution of Mr. Celestine and his sons for kidnapping, unlawful detention, assault, and attempted murder under Nigerian criminal laws.

Ojei highlighted specific charges, including:

• Unlawful detention of Samuel and his mother, Mrs. Onyeme.
• Assault using wooden planks, causing injuries and psychological trauma.
• Attempted murder, citing alleged threats to set Samuel ablaze.

Victim Undergoing Treatment

Samuel is currently receiving treatment at Asaba Specialist Hospital for his physical injuries and psychological trauma.

Police Yet to Confirm Report

The Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, SP Bright Edafe, stated that he had not received details of the incident as of the time of reporting.

This disturbing case has drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for swift justice to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences of such inhumane acts.

source: punchng