Child Exploitation: Police Arrest Mother, Rescue Four Children in Anambra

By Adebola Muili

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, over alleged child exploitation and the uploading of sexually explicit videos involving her young daughters on a pornographic platform.

The suspect was arrested in Onitsha following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing her sexually abusing her eight-year-old daughter with sex toys, while the child was heard crying and pleading with her mother to stop.

The Command said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly uploaded the videos online in exchange for money.

During interrogation, Onyeanusia reportedly admitted making money from the alleged activity, telling investigators, “The highest I ever made was $300.”

In an apparent expression of remorse, she was also quoted as saying, “It is the devil, please forgive me.”

The police said preliminary findings further indicated that the suspect’s first daughter might also have been subjected to similar abuse, while her husband was reportedly unaware of the alleged acts.

Four children, aged two, three, six and nine, were rescued during the operation, while sex toys and other items believed to be connected with the case were recovered.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect remained in custody as investigators worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and determine whether other persons were involved.

Ikenga said, “The suspect is currently in custody as the Command intensifies its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and the possible involvement of other persons.”

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, described the incident as deeply disturbing, stressing that the protection of children remained a priority of the Command.

Oji said, “This act is unacceptable, particularly because it involves the exploitation and abuse of children who are incapable of protecting themselves. Our priority is the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of the rescued children.”

The Command said the rescued children would receive counselling, protection and other necessary support in collaboration with relevant child protection agencies.

It also assured that the identities of the children would remain protected to preserve their privacy and wellbeing.

The police commended residents and bloggers who raised the alarm over the alleged abuse, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse and exploitation to the appropriate authorities.