By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man caught on camera abusing a toddler in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) said the alleged perpetrator was apprehended on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, a day after the agency was alerted to a viral report of the alleged child abuse.
The agency confirmed the arrest in a statement by Onadipe Opebere, Head, Public Affairs Unit, released on Wednesday, noting that it immediately activated its response protocol after receiving the report and successfully established contact with the toddler’s mother.
According to the agency, the toddler’s mother disclosed that the matter had already been reported at the Imota Police Station, adding that the alleged perpetrator is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
“Upon contacting officers at the Family Support Unit, the Agency was informed that the survivor’s 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 stated.
The DSVA also said the child and her mother have been referred to the General Hospital for immediate medical attention and further assessment.
The alleged perpetrator’s arrest followed the circulation of a video on social media showing a man repeatedly flogging a toddler across the head and body with what appeared to be a charger cable.
Many people who saw the video condemned the action and called for the identification and arrest of the man.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons had earlier said it was working with relevant security agencies to identify, locate and prosecute the person seen in the video.
The DSVA said it would continue to monitor the matter and provide the necessary support to the child and her mother.
The Lagos State Government also reiterated that it has zero tolerance for all forms of child abuse and remained committed to strengthening safeguarding systems and ensuring that survivors receive the support and protection they need.
The agency urged members of the public to report cases of child abuse through the Child Protection Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development or the DSVA.
