The man accused of assaulting an 18-year-old lady, identified as Chisom, in a viral domestic abuse video has been taken into police custody, human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, has disclosed.
Gwamnishu, in an update shared on Instagram on Tuesday, said the suspect was handed over to the Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters in Lagos, where his statement was obtained before he was detained.
The development followed a disturbing video that surfaced online showing Chisom with visible facial injuries. In the footage, a man identified as her husband was seen exchanging words with neighbours who confronted him over the alleged abuse.
A separate video later showed Chisom at what appeared to be a hospital with Gwamnishu. In the clip, the activist spoke about plans to ensure the man’s arrest, but the young woman pleaded against it.
According to Gwamnishu, Chisom’s plea almost made him back down, but he later decided to involve his Lagos team.
“Yesterday, while she pleaded with us not to arrest the man claiming to be her husband, I almost backed down. However, something in me said, ‘Harrison, involve your Lagos team,’” he wrote.
He said members of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation’s Lagos chapter subsequently intervened and ensured that the suspect was taken to the police station.
“The suspect was handed over to Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters, his statement was obtained, he was detained, and officers also visited Chisom at the hospital,” Gwamnishu stated.
The activist further revealed that preliminary findings indicated that Chisom was allegedly 15 years old when her relationship with the suspect began.
He also said he later received a call from a relative of Chisom’s father, who claimed that the young woman was taken away with her siblings after her mother died.
According to Gwamnishu, the relative said Chisom was only seven years old when members of her late mother’s family took her and her three siblings away from their father.
He said the relative further claimed that Chisom’s father became depressed after losing his wife and being separated from his children, adding that the family had not seen Chisom and two of her siblings until the viral video emerged.
“They also stated that he was never aware of any marriage involving Chisom and the man now claiming to be her husband,” Gwamnishu added.
The activist said Chisom’s case was unusual and should not be abandoned, especially because of the trauma and circumstances surrounding her life.
“Why we cannot abandon 18-year-old Chisom. Her case is unusual, and she is deeply traumatised. Despite everything she has been through, she still needs support, protection, and understanding,” he wrote.
The young woman was said to have pleaded against the suspect’s arrest out of fear of the possible consequences, including alleged retaliation and blame from the suspect’s family.
Reports around the intervention also indicated that Chisom, who had allegedly been separated from her father since childhood, felt vulnerable and feared she had nowhere safe to go.
Despite her plea, activists and authorities proceeded with the intervention, stressing that domestic abuse and allegations involving a minor are matters that require official investigation and protection of the victim.
Gwamnishu said his Lagos State Director, Nta Amarachi Judith, was actively following up on the matter while the organisation awaited the outcome of police investigation.
The case has since triggered public concern, with many calling for proper investigation, protection for Chisom and accountability for anyone found culpable.
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