The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has arraigned a middle-aged man accused of assaulting his 18-year-old wife.
This is coming days after the video of the assaulted teenager and her purported husband surfaced online.
According to a post shared on X on Monday, the man was alleged to have married the teenager from Ebonyi State.
He was reportedly challenged by his neighbours after repeated assault and maltreatment with the recent assault leaving her with bruise and swollen face.
In the wake of calls for the arrest and rescue of the lady, the DSVA intervened over the case with a statement issued on its official X handle on Wednesday confirming the arrest and arraignment of the man.
According to the statement, the suspect was arraigned before a magistrate court in Ejigbo area of Lagos and had been remanded.
“The suspect, who was in police custody at Isolo Police Division, was today arraigned before Mrs. A.K Dosunmu-Uthman, Ejigbo Magistrate Court, on criminal assault charges and has subsequently been remanded.” The agency revealed.
On the assaulted lady, the DSVA said she is currently under protective custody with contact already established with her family.
“Following the Agency’s intervention, the survivor was placed in protective custody, and she has commenced accessing psychosocial support to aid her healing journey.
“Contact has also been established with family members as part of ongoing efforts to ensure her safety and long-term protection.
“Our priority remains to support the survivor’s safety, healing, and overall wellbeing. Preliminary findings indicate that the purported marriage being circulated in connection with the case is false and not legally recognised.” The agency said.
LSDVA expressed gratitude to partner organisations and members of the public who called its attention to the incident.
“We appreciate the support of partner organisations, concerned members of the public, and all relevant stakeholders whose prompt action contributed to the survivor’s rescue and protection.
“This case once again underscores that the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence concerns us all and requires collective vigilance and response.
“The Lagos State Government remains resolute in its zero-tolerance stance against all forms of abuse and will continue to prioritise the protection of survivors and accountability for perpetrators.” LSDVA said.