Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu has announced that the man accused of assaulting an 18-year-old lady in a viral abuse video has been taken into police custody.
In an update shared on Instagram on Tuesday, Gwamnishu also claimed that the young woman, identified as Chisom, was taken away as a child and that her father had no knowledge of any alleged marriage involving her.
According to the activist, preliminary investigations revealed that Chisom was only 15 years old when her relationship with the suspect allegedly began.
His update comes after a disturbing video surfaced online on Monday showing the young woman with visible injuries. In the footage, a man identified as her husband was seen exchanging words with neighbours who confronted him over the alleged abuse.
Another video later emerged showing Chisom at what appeared to be a hospital alongside Gwamnishu. In the clip, the activist spoke about plans to have the man arrested, but the young woman pleaded with him not to proceed.
Giving an update on the matter, Gwamnishu said, “Preliminary findings indicate that Chisom was only 15 years old when the relationship between her and the man reportedly began.”
He added that he nearly dropped the matter after Chisom begged him not to pursue the suspect’s arrest.
“Yesterday, while she pleaded with us not to arrest the man claiming to be her husband, I almost backed down. However, something in me said, ‘Harrison, involve your Lagos team,’” he wrote.
Gwamnishu said members of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation’s Lagos chapter later stepped in, leading to the suspect being handed over to the Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters.
“The suspect was handed over to Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters, his statement was obtained, he was detained, and officers also visited Chisom at the hospital,” Gwamnishu stated.
