Bayelsa students arrested over assault in viral video

Three university students in Bayelsa State have been arrested after a young woman was filmed being beaten and stripped naked in a video that spread widely online.

Police say the victim, Nancy Wilfred, was lured to a house in Otuoke by one of the suspects under the pretext of collecting clothes. Once inside, she was attacked by the group, who accused her of spreading false rumours and using charms to attract men.

The suspects, identified as Kadi Daniel, Miracle and Becky, are all students of the Federal University, Otuoke. A fourth suspect, named Favour, remains on the run. During questioning, one of the women admitted alcohol and peer pressure influenced their actions, while another expressed regret after the video went viral.

Bayelsa Police Commissioner Francis Idu said the incident amounted to “conspiracy to murder, abduction and cyberbullying”. He promised that all those responsible would face prosecution and praised the support of civil rights groups, lawyers and government officials who had demanded justice for Nancy.