The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man accused of repeatedly abusing a toddler in Ikorodu, following the circulation of a disturbing video that triggered widespread outrage on social media.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said the suspect was apprehended on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, a day after it received information about the alleged abuse.
According to the agency, it immediately activated its response protocol and established contact with the child’s mother, who disclosed that the incident had already been reported to the authorities.
DSVA said officers at the Family Support Unit informed it that the mother had initially reported the matter 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 came hours after the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) announced that it was working with security agencies to identify and locate the man seen in the viral footage.
Footage circulated on social media showed a man repeatedly striking a toddler across the head and body with what appeared to be a charger cable.
The child was seen crying and attempting to shield herself from the blows, prompting calls for immediate intervention.
NAPTIP said it would work with relevant security agencies to identify, locate and prosecute the alleged perpetrator, while urging anyone with useful information to contact the agency.
Following the arrest, DSVA said the child and her mother had been referred to a General Hospital for immediate 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.
DSVA also pledged to continue monitoring the case and provide the necessary support to the child and her mother as investigations proceed.
“We appreciate members of the public who brought this matter to our attention,” the agency said.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its “ZERO TOLERANCE” stance on all forms of child abuse and said it remained committed to strengthening child-safeguarding systems and ensuring that survivors receive appropriate protection and support.
The agency urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child abuse through the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development or the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
The arrest also comes as Lagos is conducting its 2026 Safeguarding and Child Protection Week, a state-wide campaign focused on encouraging children to speak up about abuse and urging adults and institutions to respond appropriately to reports of harm.
Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity or the specific charges that may follow.
