The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man, Friday Onu, who was seen in a viral video physically assaulting a female driver, Mrs. Yetunde Amole, during a failed attempt to steal her car battery. The incident, which took place on Monday, April 7, 2025, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway near the Oriental Hotel, has sparked widespread outrage on social media.
According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the assault occurred after Mrs. Amole, who was in her car, confronted Onu as he tried to steal the battery from her vehicle. Onu’s aggressive response was captured on video and quickly circulated online, drawing attention to the brazen act of crime.
The video, which went viral shortly after the assault, shows when the victim confronted him, and a struggle ensued. Onu physically assaulted Amole in the process, and the footage captures the chaotic exchange. This alarming act of violence shocked many viewers, sparking anger and calls for justice on social media.
In the wake of the incident, the Lagos State Police Command acted swiftly. CSP Hundeyin confirmed that operatives from the Maroko Division were immediately dispatched to the scene and arrested Onu shortly after the assault. He expressed the Command’s condemnation of the act, calling it a brazen and unacceptable crime.
“The Lagos State Police Command is fully aware of the video circulating online, showing the assault on Mrs. Yetunde Amole by a suspected thug,” Hundeyin stated in the release. “We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms and have taken the necessary actions.”
Following his arrest, Onu was initially taken into police custody, and preparations were underway to arraign him in court. However, his arraignment was delayed when he suddenly fell ill while in detention. According to Hundeyin, Onu was transferred to the Falomo Police Hospital for medical treatment, and he is currently under close police supervision.
“The suspect fell ill while in custody, and in line with the law, he has been taken to the Falomo Police Hospital for medical attention,” Hundeyin explained. “He remains under police surveillance, and once he is declared fit by our medical professionals, he will be charged in a court of competent jurisdiction.”
The delay in Onu’s arraignment due to his sudden illness has raised questions among the public, but the police have assured citizens that the case is being handled with the utmost seriousness, and justice will be served once Onu’s health permits.
The assault on Mrs. Amole has garnered significant attention from Nigerians, with many expressing outrage over the incident. Social media users have praised Mrs. Amole for her bravery in confronting the assailant, despite the physical threat she faced. The video’s widespread circulation has also led to calls for stronger security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Hundeyin, while addressing the public, reiterated the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and holding offenders accountable. He also commended Mrs. Amole for her courage in the face of danger and assured her, as well as other victims of crime, that their cases would be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
“We want to reassure the public that justice will be served in this case,” Hundeyin said. “We also commend Mrs. Amole for her bravery. Her courage in confronting the suspect is commendable, and we will ensure that justice is done. This is a clear reminder that we are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all residents of Lagos.”
This incident is not the first time Lagos residents have been confronted with violent criminal acts in broad daylight. The city has seen a rising number of incidents involving theft, assault, and other forms of violent crime, often occurring in busy areas like the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
With an increasing number of residents taking to social media to highlight their experiences with crime, there are growing calls for authorities to do more in curbing criminal activities. Residents have urged the government to increase security presence, improve surveillance systems, and enforce stricter penalties for offenders to ensure that such acts do not go unpunished.
The Lagos State government has continually vowed to address the growing concerns surrounding safety and security. Recently, the state has made moves to introduce new measures aimed at combating crime and enhancing public safety, particularly in high-risk areas. However, incidents like the assault on Mrs. Amole highlight that there is still much work to be done.
As the investigation into Onu’s actions continues, many Lagosians have expressed their support for Mrs. Amole, with several individuals and groups offering assistance and solidarity. Many have shared messages of support on social media platforms, commending her for not backing down during the confrontation.
As the Lagos State Police Command works towards concluding the investigation, the public remains hopeful that Onu will face the full extent of the law. Many are watching closely to see how the authorities will handle this case, given the viral attention it has attracted.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by criminals who are emboldened by the lack of immediate consequences for their actions. With the police taking swift action, and with the promise of justice for the victim, there is an expectation that Lagos residents will feel more secure in knowing that the authorities are actively working to hold offenders accountable.
The case has highlighted both the challenges and the responses to crime in the city, prompting an ongoing conversation about safety, law enforcement, and the role of the community in addressing crime. For now, Lagosians are hopeful that the justice system will not fail them and that the streets will become safer for everyone.
