The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, over the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of her two daughters in Onitsha.
The suspect was arrested after a disturbing video involving her eight-year-old daughter circulated widely online, prompting police operatives to launch an investigation based on open-source intelligence.
According to the report, Onyeanusia allegedly admitted during interrogation that she uploaded a video involving her eight-year-old daughter on a pornographic platform to make money.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that the highest amount she made from uploading such content was $300.
She also disclosed that the eight-year-old girl was her second child, while preliminary police investigations allegedly indicated that her first daughter had also been subjected to similar acts and that the content was uploaded 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 two daughters.
“It is the devil,, please forgive me,” she reportedly told the police.
The arrest followed the circulation of a video showing the woman allegedly abusing her eight-year-old daughter. The footage prompted police operatives to trace and arrest the suspect.
The police said the video showed the child crying and pleading with her mother to stop while the alleged abuse continued.
According to the command, the footage also suggested that the suspect was producing the content for an online audience.
During the operation carried out on Thursday evening, police operatives rescued four children aged two, three, six and nine years.
The command also said sex toys and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation were recovered from the suspect.
The police said the investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and determine whether other people were involved.
The spokesman for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of the children.
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.
“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.