The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, over alleged child pornography and abuse involving her eight-year-old daughter in Onitsha.
The suspect was arrested after a disturbing video involving the child circulated online, prompting police operatives to launch an investigation using open-source intelligence.
According to the police, Onyeanusia allegedly admitted during interrogation that she uploaded a video involving her eight-year-old daughter on a pornographic platform to make money. She reportedly told investigators that the highest amount she earned from uploading such content was $300.
The police said preliminary investigations also indicated that the suspect may have subjected her first daughter to similar abuse and uploaded related content on a pornographic platform.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly blamed her actions on the devil and said her husband was unaware of what she had allegedly been doing to their daughters.
“It is the devil,, please forgive me,” she reportedly told investigators.
The investigation followed the circulation of a video showing the alleged abuse of the eight-year-old girl. The footage reportedly prompted concern from members of the public and led security operatives to trace and arrest the suspect.
During the operation carried out on Thursday evening, police said four children, aged two, three, six and nine, were rescued.
Sex toys and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation were also recovered from the suspect, according to the command.
The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest and rescue of the children, saying the suspect remained in police custody while investigators continued their work.
“The suspect is currently in police custody as the Command intensifies its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and the possible involvement of other persons. The husband of the suspect is also undergoing interrogation to determine whether he has any connection with the alleged offence.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, who is deeply disturbed by the alleged act, described it as unacceptable, particularly because it involves the exploitation and abuse of children who are incapable of protecting themselves. He has therefore directed a thorough and professional investigation while ensuring that the rescued children receive appropriate care and protection.
“To this end, the Command notes that beyond the investigation and prosecution, its priority is the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the rescued children.
“The Command will work with the appropriate child-protection and relevant support agencies to ensure that the victims receive the necessary care, protection, counselling and other support required for their recovery. Their identities and privacy will be protected throughout the process, and they will be treated with compassion and sensitivity.
“The Command also commends the vigilante operatives in the area, as well as bloggers and residents who provided information that assisted the investigation and led to the arrest of the suspect,” he stated.
The police said the rescued children would receive appropriate care, protection and counselling, while their identities and privacy would be protected throughout the investigation.
Source: Anambra State Police Command
