A man accused of physically abusing an 18-year-old woman in a now trending video has been arrested and is currently in police custody, according to human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu.
The development followed the circulation of a disturbing video showing the young woman with visible facial injuries while a man identified as her husband exchanged words with neighbours who confronted him over the alleged abuse.
Gwamnishu disclosed on Tuesday that preliminary findings revealed the victim, identified as Chisom, was only 15 years old when her relationship with the suspect reportedly began.
The activist explained that although the victim pleaded with him not to pursue the man’s arrest, his team proceeded with investigations and involved members of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation in Lagos.
According to him, the suspect was handed over to the Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters, where his statement was obtained before he was detained.
Gwamnishu further revealed that a relative of Chisom’s father contacted him and narrated that the young woman was taken away alongside her siblings by members of her late mother’s family after her mother’s death when she was seven years old.
He added that the victim’s father was unaware of any alleged marriage involving his daughter and the suspect.
The activist stated that family members had reportedly not seen Chisom and two of her siblings for years until the viral video surfaced online.
He noted that the organisation would continue to support the 18-year-old as police investigations continue, describing her as deeply traumatised and in need of protection, understanding and care.
Gwamnishu added that the foundation was closely monitoring the case while awaiting the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.
