Lagos arrests man over viral video of toddler abuse

The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man accused of assaulting a toddler in Ikorodu after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, September 23, following its intervention after it received a report about the alleged abuse.

The agency said it activated its response protocol and established contact with the child’s mother, who told officials that the incident had already been reported to the authorities.

According to the DSVA, officers at the Family Support Unit confirmed that the mother had initially reported the case 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.

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 showing a man repeatedly beating a toddler with what appeared to be a charger cable. The footage sparked public concern and calls for authorities to identify and apprehend the person involved.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons 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.

It also 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.

The agency reiterated the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance position on child abuse and said it remained committed to strengthening child protection mechanisms and ensuring survivors receive necessary support.