Lagos Police Apprehend Data Scientist in Acid Attack Case
The Lagos State Police Command has taken into custody a 25-year-old data scientist accused of orchestrating an acid attack on his former girlfriend, which resulted in a tragic case of mistaken identity. The suspect, who resides in the Lakwe area of Ibeju-Lekki, allegedly paid N500,000 to a hired assailant to harm his ex-lover after she ended their relationship in October 2025.
Details of the Attack and Victim's Condition
According to police reports, the attacker, who remains at large, went to the ex-girlfriend's shop but mistakenly poured the corrosive acid on her salesgirl, believing her to be the target. The victim has suffered severe injuries, including complete loss of sight, and is currently fighting for her life at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos. Medical expenses for her treatment have already exceeded N40 million, highlighting the devastating impact of this crime.
Suspect's Confession and Police Investigation
The suspect, a holder of a master's degree, confessed during interrogation that he met his ex-girlfriend online in January 2025. He claimed to have felt emotionally hurt after discovering she was no longer interested in him and might have started seeing someone else. In a statement, he said, "I felt emotionally hurt, so I hired a man and paid N500,000. I only asked him to help me 'deal with her' not to pour her acid. He went to her shop and attacked an innocent person, who is her employee." The suspect also admitted to sending threatening messages to his ex-lover both before and after the attack.
Police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect is currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Authorities tracked the suspect's phone number to apprehend him, underscoring the use of technology in solving this heinous crime.
