Man Detained After Acid Attack Meant for Ex-Girlfriend Injures Salesgirl in Lagos

The Police Command in Lagos State has detained a 25-year-old data analyst who allegedly planned an acid attack on his ex-girlfriend but ended up injuring an innocent salesgirl in a case of mistaken identity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect, who lives in Lakowe in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, allegedly arranged the attack after his former girlfriend ended their relationship.
According to NAN, the suspect hired another man, who is currently on the run, and paid him N500,000 to carry out the act.
However, the attacker, who did not know the ex-girlfriend personally, reportedly went to her shop and mistakenly poured acid on a salesgirl working there.
The victim reportedly lost her sight and is currently fighting for her life in the hospital, where more than N40 million has already been spent on medical treatment.
Before the incident, the suspect allegedly sent threatening messages to his ex-girlfriend and continued doing so even after the attack on the innocent victim.
Investigators were able to trace the suspect through his phone number, which led to his arrest.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation.
Speaking with NAN on Tuesday in Lagos, the suspect, who holds a master’s degree, said he met his ex-girlfriend online in January 2025.
He explained that the relationship later became complicated after he realised that she was no longer interested in him and might have been involved with someone else.
The suspect admitted that he contacted a man to help him retaliate against his ex-girlfriend for ending the relationship.
“I felt emotionally hurt, so I hired a man and paid him N500,000. I only asked him to help me ‘deal with her,’ not to pour acid on her.
“He went to her shop and attacked an innocent person who works there,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, Mr. Dayo Akinbisehin, told NAN that investigations are ongoing.
“Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are underway to apprehend the accomplice,” he said.
Akinbisehin added that the suspect would be charged in court once investigations are concluded. (NAN)