Ogun Police Arrest Man for Assaulting Wife Over Infidelity

In a decisive move to combat the rising tide of domestic violence, operatives of the Igbeba Divisional Police Headquarters in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, have arrested one Fatai Quadri for the violent assault of his wife, Rukayat Quadri. The incident, which occurred at their Illese-Ijebu residence, reportedly stemmed from a bitter marital dispute over allegations of infidelity and a property dispute. The arrest, confirmed by the Ogun State Police Command, underscores the police’s renewed commitment to enforcing the law and protecting victims of domestic abuse.

The conflict that led to the assault was rooted in a deep-seated marital discord. According to Dependable NG, the suspect, Fatai Quadri, allegedly transferred ownership of a 10-room en-suite apartment, which was jointly built with his wife, to another woman. The legal and institutional frameworks in Nigeria, particularly the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), now recognize such acts as a form of “economic abuse.” While the physical assault is the most visible crime in this case, the alleged fraudulent transfer of property highlights the multifaceted nature of domestic violence, which extends beyond physical harm to include financial and psychological manipulation.

The assault gained widespread attention after a video of the incident went viral on social media. The footage, which captured Fatai violently assaulting and threatening his wife with his fists, served as irrefutable evidence and a powerful catalyst for police intervention. In many traditional Nigerian societies, domestic disputes are often seen as private family matters that should not involve law enforcement. However, the viral video forced the issue into the public domain, compelling the authorities to act. The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest in a statement, noting that the victim, Rukayat Quadri, is presently receiving medical treatment. The suspect remains in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations. The police’s swift response sends a clear message that such a prevalent crime will no longer be overlooked in Ogun State.

The Ogun State Police Command has been at the forefront of tackling gender-based violence, an effort reinforced by the state’s domestication of the VAPP Act in 2018. This law prohibits spousal battery and provides for punitive measures against offenders. The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, used the opportunity of the incident to reiterate the command’s zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence. He warned that anyone found culpable of such acts will face the full wrath of the law, regardless of their status. Dependable NG’s findings also show that Ogun State has implemented innovative initiatives to support survivors, including the “Ibi Isadi” (a place of refuge) service, which integrates legal, medical, and community-based support systems to ensure that victims receive comprehensive care. These developments demonstrate a shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive and victim-centered one.

In his final remarks, Commissioner Ogunlowo urged members of the public, especially victims of domestic abuse, to promptly report all forms of violence or threats to the nearest police station for immediate action. “Silence only empowers perpetrators, but timely reporting ensures protection and justice,” he advised. His statement serves as a powerful call to action, acknowledging the deeply ingrained cultural factors that often discourage victims from seeking help. By emphasizing that the police will no longer hesitate to intervene in what are often considered “family matters,” the Ogun State Police Command is working to break the cycle of violence and empower victims to take back control of their lives. The case of Fatai Quadri and his wife, Rukayat, serves as a poignant and highly public example of how a collaborative effort between concerned citizens and a responsive police force can lead to justice.