A 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, arrested by the Anambra State Police Command over alleged child pornography in Onitsha, has reportedly confessed to uploading a video involving her eight-year-old daughter on a pornographic platform to make money.
Onyeanusia was arrested after a disturbing video involving the child circulated widely online, prompting police operatives to launch an investigation based on open-source intelligence.
According to the police, the suspect told investigators that the highest amount she had made from uploading such material was $300.
The woman reportedly identified the eight-year-old girl as her second child. Preliminary investigations, however, allegedly indicated that she had subjected her first daughter to similar abuse and uploaded the resulting content to a pornographic platform.
During interrogation, Onyeanusia reportedly blamed her actions on the devil, saying: “It is the devil,, please forgive me”
She also reportedly told investigators that her husband was unaware of her alleged activities involving their two daughters.
The arrest followed the circulation of a video in which the suspect was allegedly seen abusing the eight-year-old girl with sex toys while apparently recording the incident for an online audience. The child could reportedly be heard crying and pleading with her mother to stop.
The police said the operation was conducted on Thursday evening, during which 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.
The command said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and determine whether other persons were involved.
Confirming the arrest and rescue of the children, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said:
” 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.
