By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Three female students of the Federal University Otuoke (FUO) in Bayelsa State have been arrested by Zone 16 of the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly assaulting and stripping a fellow student naked in a viral video.
The prime suspect, identified as Kadi from the Social Work Department, was arrested alongside two others on the orders of Commissioner of Police Francis Idu.
The video, which surfaced on Facebook on Sunday, showed the suspects slapping and punching a student identified as Nancy, before stripping her and cutting off her hair braids with a sharp object.
The assault was reportedly triggered by Nancy’s alleged insult directed at Kadi’s grandmother. The clip has since sparked outrage online and reignited concerns about campus violence.
With support from FUO’s security team, operatives of Zone 16 arrested the suspects on Monday.
In a phone conversation shared online, Kadi admitted she was being taken to the university authorities before being transferred to Zone 16 headquarters in Yenagoa. She, however, denied claims that the incident was linked to her ex-boyfriend, known as “Upcoming.”
“Someone insulted my grandmother, saying she smells, and you expect me not to react?” she said in the recording.
The incident drew condemnation from advocacy groups. The Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence (AWAGBV) and Do Foundation described the attack as a shocking act of brutality.
AWAGBV President, Dr. Dise Harry, called it “deeply embarrassing” and demanded a thorough probe into what she described as assault, bodily harm, and cybercrime.
“Young women should uphold dignity and responsibility, not engage in such shameful acts,” Harry stated.
Police said investigations are ongoing, and formal charges have not yet been confirmed.
