Police Arrest Student Over Assault and Stripping of Girl in Viral Video

Operatives of Zone 16 of the Nigeria Police Command have arrested a female student of the Federal University, Otuoke (FUO), Bayelsa State, following the circulation of a viral video that captured the assault and humiliation of another young woman.

The disturbing footage, first shared on Sunday by a Facebook page known as Yentown, showed three young women repeatedly slapping and punching a victim identified as Nancy.

In the video, the victim was later stripped naked, and her braids were cut off with a sharp object.

According to police sources, with assistance from FUO security personnel, the prime suspect, identified as Kadi, a Social Work student, has been taken into custody. Security operatives are still working to track down her accomplices.

The video has triggered outrage among gender-based violence (GBV) advocates, who strongly condemned the act.

In a joint statement, the Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence and the Do Foundation, signed by Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, expressed deep shock and disappointment over the incident.

“This is not what we expect from young women who should be responsible and law-abiding citizens,” the statement read.

“It is sad and embarrassing that my own gender is trending on social media for such a shameful act of violence and assault. This raises serious criminal concerns, including assault occasioning harm, character assassination, threat to life, and cybercrime.”

The groups urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure justice for the victim. They also appealed to Nancy to cooperate fully with law enforcement in the case.