A 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, arrested by the Anambra State Police Command over alleged child pornography in Onitsha, has reportedly told investigators that she uploaded a video involving her eight-year-old daughter on a pornographic platform to make money.
The suspect was arrested after a disturbing video involving the child circulated online, prompting police operatives to launch an investigation based on what the command described as open-source intelligence.
Onyeanusia reportedly told investigators that she had earned as much as $300 from uploading such material.
The police also said preliminary investigations indicated that the eight-year-old girl, identified as the suspect’s second child, may not have been the only victim, as the suspect allegedly subjected her first daughter to similar acts and uploaded the material on a pornographic platform.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly blamed her actions on the devil, saying, “It is the devil,, please forgive me”.
She also allegedly told investigators that her husband was unaware of what she had been doing to their two daughters.
The arrest followed the circulation of a video in which the woman was allegedly seen sexually abusing the eight-year-old child with sex toys. In the footage, the girl could be heard crying and pleading with her mother to stop.
The police said the circumstances surrounding the recording suggested that the material was allegedly produced for distribution to an online audience.
During the operation 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.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest and rescue of the children, saying the investigation was being intensified to establish the full circumstances of the alleged offence and determine whether other persons were involved.
“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 investigations remain ongoing, with the authorities seeking to establish the extent of the alleged abuse, trace any online activity connected to the material and determine whether other individuals were involved.
