The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old woman, identified as Anulika Onyeanusia, over the alleged sexual exploitation of her eight-year-old daughter in Onitsha.
eelive.ng reported that the woman was arrested on Thursday after a video involving the child surfaced online and drew the attention of law enforcement authorities.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly admitted during interrogation that she uploaded videos involving the child to a pornographic platform in exchange for money.
Investigators said she disclosed that the highest amount she had received from the material was $300.
The police also said preliminary findings suggested that the eight-year-old girl was the suspect’s second child, while investigators were looking into allegations that her first daughter may have been subjected to similar treatment.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that her husband was unaware of her alleged activities involving the children.
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However, her husband has since been taken in for questioning as the police work to establish whether he had any knowledge or involvement in the alleged offence.
Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the investigation was still ongoing.
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.
He continued: “The husband of the suspect is also undergoing interrogation to determine whether he has any connection with the alleged offence.”
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji, had ordered a thorough investigation while directing that the rescued children be given appropriate care and protection.
Ikenga said the command would work with child protection agencies and other relevant bodies to provide the children with medical, psychological and social support.
He also assured the public that the identities and privacy of the children would be protected throughout the investigation.
Reacting to the development, Anambra First Lady, Nonye Soludo, condemned the alleged abuse and called for a comprehensive investigation.
Soludo, founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, urged the police to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and identify anyone else who may have been involved.
She said: “I urge the police to conduct a thorough, transparent and professional investigation into this matter, leaving no stone unturned in establishing the full facts, identifying anyone else who may have been involved, and ensuring that where wrongdoing is established, the law takes its full course.”
She also pledged to remain in contact with the relevant authorities to ensure the children are protected and receive the support required for their recovery.
The First Lady further encouraged parents, guardians, neighbours and other members of the community to speak up and report any situation that could threaten the safety or dignity of a child.
The police said the investigation remains ongoing as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances of the case.
