Police in Bayelsa have arrested three young women filmed assaulting a university student, Nancy Wilfred.
The suspects face charges of assault, abduction, cyberbullying, and grievous harm after the viral incident.
The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three young women seen in a viral video assaulting a student of the Federal University, Otuoke, identified as Nancy Wilfred.
The incident took place in Yenagoa, the state capital. In the footage, the suspects were captured beating the victim, stripping her naked, and filming the ordeal. The clip, which quickly spread online, showed the attackers slapping, kicking, and punching the student before cutting off her braids with a sharp object. The assault was allegedly fueled by claims that she had a relationship with the boyfriend of one of the suspects.
Police authorities said the viral outcry prompted an immediate manhunt, leading to the arrest of the culprits. They are being held on allegations of assault, attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and abduction.
According to the command, the State Commissioner of Police ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter. This followed an initial meeting with the victim and subsequent sessions with community-based organizations and gender advocacy groups.
Security sources disclosed that operatives from Zone 16, with support from the university’s security team, first apprehended the prime suspect identified as Kadi. She later gave information that helped track down the other two suspects.
The police confirmed that all three girls are now in custody and undergoing interrogation. They will be arraigned in court after investigations are concluded.
The command reassured the public of its determination to ensure justice for the victim and uphold peace and security across the state.
