Viral Video Leads to Arrest of Man Who Brutally Assaulted His Wife in Abuja – NAPTIP Intervenes

 

In a deeply disturbing incident that has shaken the Nigerian online community, a middle-aged man (name withheld), seen in a now-viral video viciously assaulting his 25-year-old wife, has been arrested by operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in collaboration with officials from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Women Affairs Secretariat. This arrest marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against domestic violence in Nigeria.

The Shocking Video That Sparked Outrage

The troubling footage circulated rapidly across social media platforms, drawing outrage from Nigerians far and wide. In the video, the man is seen pinning down his young wife, Theola Joseph, and brutally beating her with what has been identified as a table tennis bat. Even more heartbreaking was the background sound—three terrified children, believed to be the couple’s, could be heard screaming and pleading desperately for their father to stop hurting their mother. Their helpless cries of “Daddy, don’t kill mummy” captured the cruel reality of what many Nigerian women face behind closed doors.

"It Was Not His First Attempt"

According to Harrison Gwamnishu, a well-known Nigerian human rights activist, this was not the first time the suspect had allegedly attempted to kill his wife. Gwamnishu noted that Theola had previously reported multiple instances of domestic abuse to the police, but her complaints were dismissed with the all-too-common excuse that it was a “family matter” that should be resolved privately.

This case is a tragic reflection of the systemic failure of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria to properly address reports of domestic violence and abuse. Far too often, victims—especially women—are discouraged or outright refused assistance when they report such incidents.

Swift Arrest and Rescue Operation by NAPTIP

Thankfully, after the video went viral, NAPTIP acted swiftly. According to an official statement released on Monday, May 19, the man was located and arrested at the popular GSM Market in Wuse, Abuja. This bustling area, known for phone and electronics sales, was the unlikely hiding spot for the alleged abuser who clearly underestimated the reach and vigilance of Nigeria’s anti-human trafficking agency.

Simultaneously, Theola Joseph was rescued by operatives from her self-contained apartment in the Wumba Community, located in the Apo area of Abuja. It was inside this modest home that the terrifying abuse had taken place.

The rescue effort was carried out with support from the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, led by the Mandate Secretary, Mrs Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, who played a key role in ensuring that the survivor and her children were removed from immediate danger.

NAPTIP Pledges Justice Under VAPP Act

In response to the disturbing incident, the Director General of NAPTIP, Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi (Note: The original quote referenced “Binta Adamu Bello,” but as of the latest updates, the current DG is Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi), strongly condemned the man’s actions.

According to the agency:

“The matter will be thoroughly investigated and treated in line with the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015.”

The VAPP Act, enacted in 2015, is a robust legal framework designed to protect Nigerians—especially women and children—from all forms of violence. It covers physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse, and provides for the punishment of offenders, as well as the rehabilitation and support of victims.

In this particular case, the provisions of the VAPP Act are expected to be fully enforced to ensure justice is served and that the victim receives necessary care and protection.

Theola Joseph: A Survivor of Systemic Neglect

The story of Theola Joseph is sadly not unique. Her repeated attempts to report her abusive husband to the police—and the subsequent inaction—highlight a deeper issue in Nigerian society. Despite the existence of laws such as the VAPP Act and the Child Rights Act, enforcement remains weak. Officers at many police stations often trivialize gender-based violence, urging victims to go home and "settle" rather than opening formal investigations.

Theola’s experience must serve as a wake-up call to both the government and the public. Victims of domestic abuse must not be silenced, ignored, or made to endure continued trauma simply because their abuser is a spouse or partner.

The Role of Social Media in Justice

This arrest underscores the power of social media as a tool for advocacy and justice in Nigeria. Had the video not gone viral, Theola might still be enduring abuse—or worse. Online outrage, fuelled by citizen journalism and human rights activists, forced the hands of authorities to take action where traditional systems had failed.

In recent years, Nigeria has seen several similar cases come to light only after concerned individuals posted videos, photos, or personal testimonies online. While this reflects positively on the growing civic awareness of Nigerians, it also reveals the shortcomings of our official structures in protecting vulnerable populations.

What’s Next for the Victim?

At the time of writing, Theola Joseph and her children are safe, having been placed in protective custody pending the outcome of investigations. NAPTIP has also stated that she will be provided with psycho-social support, legal aid, and counseling—an essential step in the healing process.

Civil society groups, women’s rights organizations, and NGOs are also rallying to her support, calling for the full weight of the law to be applied to the suspect.

Lessons and Call to Action

This case is a strong reminder that domestic violence is not a private matter. It is a criminal offense. No one deserves to be beaten, humiliated, or terrorized, especially within the walls of their own home.

Key Takeaways:

• Law enforcement agencies must stop dismissing abuse cases as “family matters.” Every report should be taken seriously, with proper investigations and protection for the victims.

• Citizens must continue to speak up against injustice. If you see something, record it, report it, and share it if necessary.

• Governments and lawmakers must invest in training police officers, especially at the grassroots level, on how to handle domestic violence complaints.

• Religious and community leaders must help change the culture of silence that protects abusers under the guise of “saving the marriage.”

Final Thoughts

NaijaRush stands with survivors of domestic violence. No woman should have to live in fear. The arrest of Theola Joseph’s husband is a step in the right direction, but it must not end here. Justice must be served, not only for Theola but for the countless unnamed victims across Nigeria who suffer in silence.

Let this story be a beacon of hope and a call for systemic change. Domestic abuse must end. Now.