Lagos Data Scientist Arrested After Botched Acid Attack Permanently Blinds Victim

The Lagos State Police Command has detained a 25-year-old data scientist following a horrific acid attack that left an innocent sales assistant permanently blind.

The suspect, a Master’s degree holder living in the Lakowe area of Ibeju-Lekki, allegedly orchestrated the assault after his former girlfriend ended their relationship in late 2025. Driven by resentment, he reportedly paid an accomplice ₦500,000 to “deal with” his ex-lover.

However, the contract attacker—who remains at large—was unable to identify the intended target. Upon arriving at the ex-girlfriend’s shop, he mistakenly poured the corrosive liquid on her employee.

The victim has since lost her eyesight and remains in critical condition at a Lagos hospital, with medical expenses already exceeding ₦40 million.

Despite the mistaken identity of the victim, the suspect continued to send threatening messages to his former partner. Law enforcement utilized phone tracking technology to locate and apprehend him.

During interrogation, the suspect admitted to hiring someone due to emotional distress but claimed he did not specifically authorize the use of acid.

State Police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the suspect is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as the search for the primary assailant continues.