The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man in connection with a viral video showing the alleged assault of a toddler in Ikorodu.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, September 23, following its intervention after receiving a report about the incident.
The agency said it activated its response protocol and contacted the child’s mother, who disclosed that the matter had already been reported to the authorities.
According to the DSVA, officers of the Family Support Unit confirmed that the mother had initially reported the case to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The suspect was subsequently apprehended and is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The child and her mother have also been referred to a General Hospital for medical attention and further assessment.
The arrest followed the circulation of a video on social media showing a man allegedly assaulting a toddler with what appeared to be a charger cable. The video generated public concern and calls for authorities to identify and apprehend the person involved.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) had earlier said it was working with security agencies to identify, locate and prosecute the person seen in the video.
The DSVA said it would continue to monitor the case and provide support to the child and her mother.
The agency urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse to the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development or the DSVA.
It also reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening child protection mechanisms and ensuring that survivors receive the necessary support.