Abused Teen-wife's Dad Never Consented to her Marriage - Activist Reveals

The story of Chisom, the 18-year-old rescued from her abusive husband at an Isolo hospital on Monday, has grown darker with every detail that emerges, and the latest revelation may be the most troubling yet: her father did not know she was married. He did not even know where she was.

Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, who spearheaded the rescue after a video of Chisom's severe physical abuse went viral, has shared new findings of a young girl who was not just abused by a man, but failed, by the adults before he ever came along.

According to Gwamnishu, Chisom and her three siblings were taken away from their father by members of their late mother's family following her death.

Chisom was just seven years old at the time. From that moment, her father was cut off entirely, he did not see her, did not hear from her, and had no knowledge of her life or circumstances until Monday, when he, like millions of Nigerians, saw his daughter's battered face in a viral video circulating on social media.

Preliminary findings have also revealed that Chisom was only 15 years old when the relationship with the man now claiming to be her husband reportedly began, raising serious questions not only about abuse, but about child marriage and statutory violations.

The suspect has been taken into custody at Isheri-Osun Divisional Police Headquarters, where his statement has been obtained and officers have since visited Chisom at the hospital.

Gwamnishu said he almost hesitated to push for the arrest after Chisom herself pleaded with him not to detain the man, but something held firm.

In a post shared on his social media page, Gwamnishu recounted that pivotal moment and the events that followed, writing in his own words:

"Yesterday, while she pleaded with us not to arrest the man claiming to be her husband, I almost backed down. However, something in me said, 'Harrison, involve your Lagos team.' I immediately contacted our Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation Lagos chapter head, Nta Amarachi Judith, who arrived promptly. After briefing her on the next steps, I left the scene."

"The suspect was handed over to Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters, his statement was obtained, he was detained, and officers also visited Chisom at the hospital."

On the question of her father, Gwamnishu wrote: "Earlier today, I received a call from a relative of Chisom's father, who narrated that Chisom was taken away after her mother died. She was just seven years old when members of her late mother's family took her and her three siblings away. Since then, they had not set eyes on Chisom and two of her siblings until yesterday, when they saw the viral video circulating on social media."

"According to them, Chisom's father became depressed after losing his wife and having his children taken away from him. They also stated that he was never aware of any marriage involving Chisom and the man now claiming to be her husband."

On why he refuses to walk away from the case, Gwamnishu was clear: "Chisom has endured a lot at such a young age. The physical and emotional scars she carries cannot be ignored. This is not the time to turn our backs on her. She deserves care, justice, and the opportunity to heal and rebuild her life. No matter how difficult the situation may be, abandoning her is not an option."

"Preliminary findings indicate that Chisom was only 15 years old when the relationship between her and the man reportedly began," he added.

He concluded, "We owe it to Chisom to ensure that justice is served and that every aspect of this matter is thoroughly investigated."