The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man, Odukaye Kunle, for physically assaulting his young son, Boluwatife, in a moment of anger.
The suspect, who resides on Popoola Street, Oko Baale, Ado Odo Ota, was caught on video kicking his son’s leg as the boy approached him for an embrace, causing the child to fall and hit his head on the ground.
The disturbing footage, which went viral on X (formerly Twitter) after being shared by @AsakulaA on Friday, sparked outrage among social media users and child rights advocates.
Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that Kunle would be charged in court on Monday.
“Update on Ogun Child Abuse: Odukaye Kunle, the father who brutalized his son, Boluwatife, in Ota area, Ogun State, has just been arrested by the police.
The mother of the boy, Rashedat, and the boy will be taken to our police medical center in Ota for further medical assessment and attention.
The OC Medical, Ogun State, has been ordered to proceed to Ota on this mission. Kunle will be charged to court on Monday,” the police statement read.
The motive behind the suspect’s anger remains unclear, but reports suggest it may have been linked to an altercation with bystanders at the scene.
The statement also commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, and his team for their swift action in ensuring justice for the child.