The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued a 36-year-old woman, Grace Aniekuoku, who was allegedly chained and confined by her brother in Abuja for more than 16 months.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed that officers from the Katampe Division acted on a distress report received on June 12, 2026, and discovered the victim in a locked room under deplorable conditions.

According to the police, the suspect, Chinedu Aniekuoku, initially resisted officers and denied them access to the premises. Detectives, however, forced their way into the room and found the woman severely emaciated, chained, and lying in unsanitary conditions.

The victim was immediately rescued and taken to a hospital, where she is receiving treatment and rehabilitation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly took the victim’s son to an unknown location about two years ago. Police believe the prolonged confinement may have been aimed at preventing her from demanding answers about the child’s whereabouts.

The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the missing child.

The FCT Police Command urged residents to promptly report cases of abuse, unlawful detention, and other forms of criminal activity to law enforcement agencies.