Man arrested after paralyzed woman found chained in his basement

Paralyzed woman found chained in a basement during a police search after officers responded to a tip. The suspect begged them to turn off their cameras

A paralyzed woman found chained in a basement was the shocking discovery made by police after responding to a disturbing complaint at a private residence.

Also read: 19 kidnapped victims, including 8 WASSCE students, rescued in Rivers State

Officers on the scene were met with resistance from a man who begged them to shut off their cameras and leave immediately.

The incident occurred after police received a disturbing report about a possible kidnapping involving a white woman in a black coat who was last seen entering the suspect’s home.

According to the complaint, the caller believed the woman was injured and being held in the basement.

Bodycam footage and audio reveal a tense exchange between the man and responding officers.

“Bro, y’all can’t be here like this,” the man said as he stepped outside to meet the officers. “Turn those cameras off, please. You guys are making my spot hot. I work for you guys, okay?”

When officers asked who he worked for, the man refused to answer, saying, “I can’t tell you that… I’m not allowed to tell you that.”

As police attempted to get clarity on the situation, he became visibly agitated, urging them to leave the property.

“Y’all gotta go. There ain’t nobody tied up in the basement,” he insisted.

Despite his protests, the officers persisted, citing the urgency of the tip.

According to one officer at the scene, suspicious sounds were heard inside the house, including what was described as something being “slid” across the floor when the man moved from one room to another.

Eventually, officers entered the home and conducted a search of the premises. In the basement, they made a harrowing discovery: an elderly woman, later identified as 66-year-old Carol Cyrus, was found alive but in distress.

Bodycam audio captures the moment officers located her.

“How’d you get through?” one officer asked.

“I’m paralyzed,” the woman replied.

“Are you injured besides that?”

“I’m paralyzed,” she repeated.

When asked her name, she answered, “Carol Cyrus.”

Authorities confirmed that the woman had been restrained and left without proper care. Though she was conscious and communicative, her condition required immediate medical attention.

Emergency services transported Cyrus to a local hospital where she is currently receiving treatment.

Details about the extent and cause of her paralysis have not been disclosed, but investigators have ruled her state as non-voluntary and part of a broader criminal case.

The man at the residence was taken into custody at the scene.

His identity has not yet been officially released, but law enforcement sources say he is expected to face multiple charges, including unlawful imprisonment, obstruction of justice, and potentially abuse of a vulnerable adult.

“This was a difficult and disturbing case,” said one police sergeant involved in the rescue. “Had we not followed up, the outcome could have been tragically different.”

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the suspect’s background, including his claim that he “works for” law enforcement or another agency — a statement which officials say does not appear to be supported by any current employment records.

Neighbours and community members have since expressed shock over the discovery. Many say they rarely saw activity at the residence and had no idea anyone was inside.

Also read: 19 kidnapped victims, including 8 WASSCE students, rescued in Rivers State

Police have urged the public to continue reporting suspicious activity and emphasised the importance of body cameras in protecting both citizens and officers during such encounters.