The man seen in a viral video allegedly assaulting an 18-year-old woman identified as Chisom has been arrested and is in police custody, according to human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu.

The video, widely shared online, showed the young woman with visible facial injuries while a man, described as her husband, argued with neighbours who confronted him over the alleged abuse. The disturbing footage sparked outrage and calls for his immediate arrest.

In a follow-up clip, Chisom appeared in what looked like a hospital, seated beside Gwamnishu. There, the activist explained his intention to ensure the suspect was apprehended, but the visibly shaken teenager pleaded with him not to proceed.

Gwamnishu later revealed that he almost yielded to her pleas before deciding to escalate the matter. He contacted his Lagos team at the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, who moved to secure the suspect’s arrest.

According to the activist, the man was subsequently handed over to officers at the Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters. His statement was taken, he was detained, and police officers visited Chisom at the hospital as part of ongoing investigations.

Preliminary findings shared by Gwamnishu suggest that Chisom was only 15 years old when her relationship with the suspect reportedly began, raising serious concerns about child abuse and possible forced or underage marriage.

The activist also disclosed that a relative of Chisom’s father contacted him after the video went viral, shedding light on the teenager’s background. The relative reportedly said Chisom and her three siblings were taken away by members of their late mother’s family when Chisom was about seven years old.

Their father, according to the account relayed by Gwamnishu, became depressed after losing his wife and then his children. Family members allegedly lost contact with Chisom and two of her siblings until they recognised her in the viral footage.

The relative further maintained that Chisom’s father was never informed of any marriage involving his daughter and the man now claiming to be her husband.

Gwamnishu stressed that his organisation will continue to support Chisom, describing her case as “unusual” and noting that she is deeply traumatised. He said the Lagos State director of his foundation, Nta Amarachi Judith, is closely monitoring the case as the police investigation continues.