The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man accused of abusing a toddler in Ikorodu, following the circulation of a video showing the alleged incident on social media.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said the suspect was apprehended on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after the agency was alerted to the viral report a day earlier.
According to the agency, it immediately activated its response protocol and established contact with the child’s mother, who disclosed that the matter had already been reported to the authorities.
The DSVA said officers at the Family Support Unit informed it that the child’s mother had initially reported the incident to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
“Following the report, the alleged perpetrator was apprehended on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026, and is currently in police custody, as the matter has now been escalated for further investigation,” the agency said in a statement.
The development followed the circulation of a video purportedly showing a man repeatedly flogging a toddler across the head and body with what appeared to be a charger cable.
The video generated widespread concern on social media, with members of the public calling for the identification and arrest of the person allegedly involved.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) had earlier disclosed that it was working with relevant security agencies to identify and locate the individual seen in the video for possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the DSVA said the child and her mother had been referred to a hospital for medical attention and further assessment.
“The survivor and her mother have also been referred to the General Hospital for immediate medical attention and further assessment,” the agency said.
The DSVA added that it would continue to monitor the case while providing necessary support to the child and her mother.
The agency thanked members of the public who brought the alleged abuse to its attention and urged residents to report cases of child abuse to the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development or the DSVA.
The Lagos State Government also reiterated its zero-tolerance position on child abuse and said it remained committed to strengthening child safeguarding systems and ensuring that survivors receive appropriate protection and support.
