The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a 23-year-old man, Abidemi Emmanuel, over allegations that he sexually assaulted a Lagos-based content creator popularly known as Fems Thrift and her friend.
Police sources disclosed that the suspect allegedly enticed the victims with a fraudulent modelling offer, inviting them to an apartment in Ajao Estate on February 8 under the pretext of a fashion shoot.
Narrating her ordeal in a video shared on her TikTok page and sighted by Saturday PUNCH, the content creator said she was approached on Instagram by a man who claimed he had recently returned from the United Kingdom to establish an international fashion brand in Nigeria.
According to her, the suspect promised to pay N140,000 for the modelling job and sought her support in promoting the proposed brand.
She stated that upon arriving at the location with her friend, events took a disturbing turn.
The video, which has since gone viral, sparked outrage across social media platforms, with users demanding swift action from law enforcement authorities.
Confirming the arrest in a message to our correspondent on Friday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the matter was under investigation at the command’s Gender Unit.
“The suspect, Abidemi Emmanuel, 23, is currently in custody, and investigation is ongoing at the Command Gender Unit.
The case is being handled in line with global best practices for sexual and gender-based violence investigations, with due regard for the protection, dignity and welfare of the survivors,” he stated.
He added that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Recounting the incident, the victim alleged that she and her friend arrived at the apartment around 11am, only to discover that the space was sparsely furnished.
The man reportedly claimed the apartment was designated for content production and that other crew members, including a makeup artist, were on their way.
She further alleged that the suspect asked her to freshen up ahead of the supposed shoot and provided a robe.
Moments later, he allegedly locked the door and threatened them, compelling compliance under duress.
The victim claimed that after the assault, the suspect seized their mobile phones, accessed private folders and transferred personal materials to himself, allegedly threatening to publish them online if they reported the matter.
The pair were said to have left the apartment later that afternoon.
Initially restrained by fear of blackmail, the content creator eventually went public with her account, triggering widespread calls for justice and prompting police intervention.