By Joyce Ekeh
A 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, arrested by the Anambra State Police Command over alleged child sexual abuse and pornography, has reportedly admitted uploading a video involving her eight-year-old daughter on a pornographic platform to make money.
The suspect, who was arrested after a disturbing video involving the child went viral, reportedly told investigators that she made as much as $300 from uploading such content.
According to the police, preliminary investigation also indicated that the suspect may have subjected her first daughter to similar abuse and uploaded the material on a pornographic platform.
During interrogation, Onyeanusia reportedly attributed her actions to the devil, saying, “It is the devil, please forgive me.”
She also reportedly told investigators that her husband was unaware of what she had allegedly been doing to their two daughters.
The arrest followed the circulation of a video which prompted police operatives to act on what the command described as open-source intelligence and trace the suspect.
The command said four children, aged two, three, six and nine years, were rescued during the operation carried out on Thursday evening.
Sex toys and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation were also recovered from the suspect, the police said.
Spokesman for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest and rescue of the children, saying the suspect remained in police custody as investigation continued.
He 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.”
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, was deeply disturbed by the alleged abuse and had ordered a thorough investigation.
He said: “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.”
According to him, the police chief directed that the rescued children be given appropriate care and protection throughout the investigation.
Ikenga added: “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.”
He further assured that the identities and privacy of the children would be protected.
Meanwhile, the command said investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and determine whether other persons were involved.
Ikenga commended vigilante operatives, bloggers and residents whose information, he said, assisted the police in tracing and arresting the suspect.
He urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could help security agencies protect children and prevent their exploitation.
