A 32-year-old man, Emeka Joseph, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre following his arraignment for allegedly assaulting his 18-year-old wife, Ezaka Chisom Prisellia, in the Isheri-Oshun area of Lagos State.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday along Ayomide Street, sparked widespread outrage across social media platforms after the agonising aftermath of the assault was caught on camera.
Hospital video sparks outcry
The public became aware of the domestic violence case through a short, viral video recorded from a hospital ward.
In the footage, the teenage wife is seen weeping bitterly on a hospital bed while sporting severe, visible injuries across her face and upper body.
In a heartbreaking twist that divided opinion online, the visibly distressed teenager was heard in the recording pleading repeatedly with onlookers and authorities not to have her husband arrested, despite the severity of her physical state.
The video immediately caught the attention of local law enforcement and prominent human rights defenders, leading to Joseph’s swift tracking and arrest by the Lagos State Police Command.
Arraigned on a three-count charge
Following his arrest, the suspect was hauled before the Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
According to the official court charge sheet, the state government filed a three-count charge against Joseph, encompassing conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, fighting, and unlawful physical assault.
The specific legal counts brought against him include:
Count 1 (Breach of Peace): Accuses Joseph of conducting himself in a manner likely to cause a public breach of peace by aggressively pushing his wife without her consent, violating Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
Count 2 (Affray/Fighting): Punishable under Section 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Count 3 (Unlawful Assault): Charges the suspect with unlawfully assaulting his teenage wife to the point of inflicting grievous bodily harm, a criminal offence punishable under Section 173 of the Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Remanded behind bars until August
Providing a live update on the legal proceedings, notable human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu shared copies of the finalised court dockets on his social channels, confirming that the state has taken over the matter to ensure justice is served irrespective of family pressure.
“The young man accused of assaulting Chisom in Lagos has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending further court proceedings,” Gwamnishu disclosed.
The presiding magistrate ordered the suspect to remain in custody at the maximum-security facility while the defence prepares its case. The matter has been officially adjourned to August 3, 2026, for hearing.
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