Lagos Arrests Man Over Viral Video of Toddler Being Flogged

Lagos Arrests Man Over Viral Video of Toddler Being Flogged

The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man allegedly seen repeatedly flogging a toddler in a viral social media video, as authorities intensify investigations into the reported child abuse.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, and is currently in police custody following the circulation of a video that showed a shirtless man repeatedly hitting a young child with what appeared to be a charger cable.

The footage, which circulated widely on social media, showed the child crying and attempting to shield her head and body from the blows. The video triggered widespread concern and calls for authorities to identify and apprehend the person involved.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) initially launched efforts to identify and locate the alleged perpetrator after the video came to public attention.

NAPTIP said it was working with relevant security agencies to locate the man and ensure that he faced appropriate legal action if the allegations were established.

The development took a new turn after the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) confirmed that the suspect had been apprehended.

The DSVA said it was alerted to the alleged abuse in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Tuesday and immediately activated its response mechanism.

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The agency subsequently established contact with the child’s mother, who reportedly disclosed that the incident had already been brought to the attention of authorities.

The mother had reportedly approached the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, while the matter was also reported at the Imota Police Station.

The DSVA said officers at the Family Support Unit confirmed that the complaint had been received and that the authorities were already taking steps to address the matter.

Following the reports, the alleged perpetrator was arrested on September 23 and taken into police custody for further investigation.

The child and her mother have also been referred to a General Hospital for medical attention and further assessment.

The DSVA said it would continue to monitor the case and provide necessary support to the child and her mother.

The agency also reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance policy on child abuse, stressing the importance of protecting children from physical violence and other forms of abuse.

The arrest came shortly after NAPTIP’s appeal for information, effectively bringing the initial manhunt to an end while shifting attention to the police investigation and possible prosecution.

The incident has also renewed concerns about the use of social media videos to expose alleged child abuse cases in Nigeria. While viral footage can draw attention to suspected abuse, authorities still have to establish the circumstances surrounding each case through investigation and due process.

For the Lagos incident, the police investigation is expected to determine what led to the alleged assault, the relationship between the suspect and the child, and whether additional offences were committed.

The suspect’s arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. The allegations remain subject to investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings.

For now, the Lagos Government has confirmed the arrest, while the child and her mother are receiving medical attention and support as authorities continue investigating the alleged abuse.

Lagos Arrests Man Over Viral Video of Toddler Being Flogged