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The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has confirmed the arrest of a man seen allegedly assaulting a toddler in a viral social media video.
The video, which sparked widespread outrage, showed the man repeatedly striking the young girl with a cane while apparently complaining about her academic performance. The footage prompted calls for authorities to identify and apprehend him.
According to the DSVA, it was alerted to the incident on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, and immediately activated its response mechanism. The agency contacted the child’s mother, who disclosed that the incident had already been reported at Imota Police Station.
The alleged perpetrator was subsequently apprehended on Wednesday, September 23, and is now in police custody as investigations continue. The child and her mother have also been referred to a General Hospital for immediate medical attention and further assessment.
The development followed an earlier intervention by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), which had said it was working with relevant security agencies to identify, locate and prosecute the person seen in the video.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards child abuse and said it would continue to provide support and protection for the child and her mother while the investigation proceeds.
