A 17-year-old student, Samuel Onyeme, was reportedly beaten and confined in a dog cage on Sunday after visiting his female classmate, Miss Anastasia Celestine, at her residence in Asaba, Delta State.
Samuel’s mother, Mrs. Onyeme, disclosed that her son, a senior secondary school student at Redeemers International High School, was assaulted by Anastasia’s father and two brothers outside their home. “They attacked him, dragged him into their compound, beat him with wooden planks, and locked him in a dog cage. They even confiscated his phone,” she recounted.
Mrs. Onyeme added that she was lured to the scene but was denied access to her son for two hours. Her daughter, Jessica, who attempted to intervene, was also assaulted by the Celestine family.
The situation escalated when Samuel’s elder brother contacted a family friend, who involved a human rights group. This led to police intervention, and the teenager was rescued around 10:00 pm.
Human rights activist Victor Ojei condemned the incident, labeling it “barbaric and inhumane.” He filed a petition with the Delta State Police Command, calling for the immediate investigation and prosecution of Mr. Celestine and his sons on charges of kidnapping, unlawful detention, assault, and attempted murder.
Ojei stated, “This act violates multiple provisions of Nigerian Criminal Law and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act. Samuel’s physical injuries and psychological trauma require justice.”
Samuel is currently receiving treatment at the Asaba Specialist Hospital. Police authorities are yet to confirm the incident as of the time of this report.
