Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu has said the man accused of assaulting an 18-year-old woman in a viral abuse video is now in police custody, while revealing that the young woman was taken from her father as a child and that he knew nothing about any alleged marriage.
Gwamnishu disclosed the update in an Instagram post on Tuesday, saying preliminary findings showed that the woman, identified as Chisom, was only 15 when her relationship with the suspect reportedly began.
The case gained public attention after a disturbing video emerged on Monday showing the visibly injured young woman, who was identified as the man’s wife. The footage showed her with apparent facial injuries while the suspect argued with neighbours confronting him over the alleged assault.
Another video later showed Chisom in hospital with Gwamnishu, where the activist discussed plans to have the suspect arrested. However, the young woman pleaded with him not to proceed.
Giving an update, Gwamnishu said, “Preliminary findings indicate that Chisom was only 15 years old when the relationship between her and the man reportedly began.”
He admitted he nearly abandoned the case after Chisom’s appeal, adding, “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.’”
According to him, members of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation’s Lagos chapter intervened, leading to the suspect’s arrest and detention at 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 said.
He also disclosed that a relative of Chisom’s father contacted him, claiming the young woman and her siblings were taken away by members of their late mother’s family after she died when Chisom was seven.
According to Gwamnishu, the relative said Chisom’s father became depressed after losing both his wife and children, and that the family had not seen Chisom and two of her siblings until the abuse video surfaced online.
He added, “They also stated that he was never aware of any marriage involving Chisom and the man now claiming to be her husband.”
Gwamnishu said his organisation would continue supporting the young woman throughout the investigation.
“Why we cannot abandon 18-year-old Chisom. Her case is unusual, and she is deeply traumatised. Despite everything she has been through, she still needs support, protection, and understanding,” he said.
He added that the organisation’s Lagos State Director, Nta Amarachi Judith, is monitoring the case while they await the outcome of the police investigation.