*Says “I Made Up To $300 From Pornographic Material Involving My Eight-Year-Old Daughter”
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, over allegations that she sexually exploited her eight-year-old daughter and uploaded abusive material involving the child to an online pornographic platform for financial gain.
Police said the suspect was traced and arrested after disturbing material involving the child surfaced online and drew public attention. Preliminary investigation reportedly indicated that the eight-year-old is the woman’s second child, while investigators are also examining claims that her first daughter may have been subjected to similar abuse.
During interrogation, Onyeanusia allegedly admitted earning money from the uploaded material, telling investigators that the highest amount she received was $300.
She also reportedly claimed that her husband was unaware of the alleged abuse involving their daughters and attributed her actions to the devil, pleading for forgiveness.
The police operation, carried out on Thursday evening, led to the rescue of four children aged two, three, six and nine years. Investigators also recovered items considered relevant to the case.
According to the command, the arrest followed intelligence gathered from material circulating online, which enabled operatives to identify and trace the suspect.
The police said investigation is continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and to determine whether any other persons were involved.
The suspect’s husband is also being questioned as part of the investigation to establish whether he had any knowledge of or connection with the alleged offences.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command had intensified its investigation while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of the rescued children.
“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.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji, described the allegations as particularly disturbing because they involve the exploitation and abuse of children who are unable to protect themselves.
The Commissioner consequently directed a thorough and professional investigation while ensuring that the affected children receive appropriate protection, care and support.
According to the police, the command will work with relevant child-protection and support agencies to provide counselling and other assistance required for the children’s recovery.
The command also pledged to protect the identities and privacy of the children throughout the investigation and any subsequent proceedings, stressing that they would be treated with compassion and sensitivity.
Police further commended local vigilante operatives, bloggers and residents whose information assisted investigators and contributed to the suspect’s arrest.
The allegations against Onyeanusia remain subject to investigation and have not yet been determined by a court.
