The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspected thug, Friday Onu, after a viral video captured him assaulting a female commercial driver, Yetunde Amole, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
In the viral video, Amole appeared visibly battered, with facial bruises and torn clothing, as she appealed to human rights groups, transport unions, and concerned individuals to speak up for her.
The assault, which happened on Monday near the Oriental Hotel, triggered widespread outrage across social media platforms.
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Benjamin Hundeyin, the command spokesperson, confirmed Onu’s arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday. He said that officers from the Maroko Division had captured him soon after the incident.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was caught attempting to steal Ms Amole’s car battery,” Hundeyin said.
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“When she confronted him, he responded with a violent attack, which was captured on video and widely circulated.”
He noted that Onu became sick while in detention and was immediately taken to the Falomo Police Hospital, where he remains under medical care and police supervision.
The Command assured the public that Onu would be brought before the court once he is declared medically fit.
“We commend the courage of Ms. Amole in standing up to her attacker,” Hundeyin stated.
“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice is served and to protecting all residents, especially those vulnerable to such brazen acts of violence.”
While recounting the incident, Amole said she picked up the suspect near the under-bridge by the Oriental Hotel after he told her he was going to the Nigerian Law School.
She became suspicious when she saw him tampering with her car battery through the rear-view mirror.
“I got down and confronted him,” she said in the video. “When I asked what he was doing, he denied everything. That’s when he started beating me.”
While filming outside the Maroko Police Station, Amole continued to urge authorities, women’s rights organisations, and commercial transport unions to take action.
“I buy tickets, I pay my dues. Look at how I’ve been treated. If I don’t have anyone to fight for me, God will,” she added.
