PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA — A disturbing incident has sparked outrage after a Rivers man brutalises lady who allegedly rejected his marriage proposal. The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 46-year-old Abi Baragon, who allegedly assaulted and inflicted serious injuries on the victim in Port Harcourt.
The suspect, a father of four, was arrested in the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo axis of Mile 3, following a viral video circulating on social media that showed the injured victim raising the alarm shortly after the attack.
According to police reports, Baragon reportedly fled the scene after the assault but was later tracked down and arrested through an intelligence-led operation.
The assault reportedly took place on June 20, 2025, and came to public attention when a video of the Rivers man brutalises lady incident went viral online. The video, shared widely across social media platforms, showed the victim in distress, crying out for help after being attacked.
The Rivers State Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the details in an official statement issued on Friday.
“There was a viral video on social media, captured on June 20, 2025, where a lady cried out over an incident depicting that a man allegedly assaulted her and fled. The matter has been under intense investigation by operatives of the command,” Iringe-Koko stated.
Following weeks of surveillance, police operatives from the Human Rights Department at the State Headquarters eventually apprehended Baragon on October 13, 2025.
Rivers Man Brutalises Lady: How the Attack Happened
Initially, the suspect denied attacking the woman. However, under police interrogation, he confessed to the assault, admitting that he used bottles during the attack and stabbed the victim.
“During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed that he used bottles and stabbed the victim,” the police spokesperson revealed.
Investigators said the motive behind the attack stemmed from the victim’s rejection of Baragon’s marriage proposal after discovering he was already married with four children.
This shocking revelation has triggered anger among many Nigerians, especially women’s rights groups, who are calling for swift and strict legal action against the suspect.
The victim was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment following the brutal assault. Police officials said she is receiving medical care and is in stable condition.
The Rivers State Police Command has also assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover all the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Grace Iringe-Koko emphasized that the command is committed to ensuring justice for the victim, noting that cases involving gender-based violence will not be treated lightly.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, praised the operatives involved in the arrest for their swift response and coordinated efforts. He also commended members of the public who provided critical information that led to the suspect’s capture.
“If anyone commits a crime and runs away, the police will catch up with you. The suspect will face prosecution upon conclusion of a discreet investigation,” Adepoju stated.
He further reiterated the police command’s zero tolerance for gender-based violence and warned criminals that there is no hiding place for offenders in Rivers State.
The Rivers man brutalises lady case has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many users demanding justice and stronger protection for women.
Several women’s rights advocates and NGOs have condemned the attack, describing it as “unacceptable” and calling on the government to strengthen legal frameworks to protect women from violent crimes.
“This is exactly why gender-based violence laws must be strictly enforced. Women should not have to fear for their lives simply for rejecting a relationship or marriage proposal,” one activist said on X (formerly Twitter).
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that Abi Baragon remains in custody and will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded. Legal experts say he could face multiple charges, including assault, attempted murder, and gender-based violence.
This case also underscores the urgent need for public awareness campaigns about the consequences of violence against women, as well as improved support systems for survivors.
This Rivers man brutalises lady incident is another reminder of the growing concern over gender-based violence in Nigeria. Authorities and civil society organizations are calling for tougher legal action and more proactive prevention strategies.
The Rivers State Police Command has urged members of the public to report similar incidents immediately and assured citizens that such cases will be treated with the seriousness they deserve.
“We will continue to protect the rights of every citizen, especially women, and ensure that perpetrators of violence are held accountable,” Commissioner Adepoju stated.
As the investigation continues, many are hoping this case will serve as a deterrent to others and reinforce the message that violence against women is a serious crime with severe consequences.
Source- Punchng
