Police authorities in Anambra State have announced the arrest of a 36-year-old woman following allegations connected to a video involving the abuse and exploitation of a minor.
The suspect, identified by police as Anulika Onyeanusia, was taken into custody on Friday as investigators began examining the circumstances of the case. The incident is being handled as a suspected child pornography matter in the Onitsha area of the state.
In a statement, the Anambra State Police Command said the arrest was carried out by its operatives after information emerged about the disturbing video. During the operation, four children were removed from the location and placed in safety. The children are aged two, three, six and nine.
Officers reportedly recovered several items, including sex toys, which police said may be relevant to their investigation. Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details about the evidence, stressing that inquiries are still ongoing.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said the suspect remains in custody while detectives work to establish the full facts surrounding the allegation. Investigators are also looking into whether other people may have played a role in the suspected offence.
According to Mr Ikenga, the suspect’s husband is being questioned as part of the investigation. Police are seeking to determine whether he had any knowledge of, or involvement in, the alleged acts.
“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 police spokesperson said.
The case has drawn a strong reaction from the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama. Mr Ikenga said the commissioner expressed serious concern over the allegations, describing any form of child exploitation as unacceptable.
The police commissioner noted that children are particularly vulnerable and must be protected from harm, abuse and exploitation. He directed officers to conduct a detailed, impartial and professional investigation, with the aim of ensuring that anyone found responsible is brought before the law.
Beyond the criminal investigation, the police command said the welfare of the rescued children remains a major priority. Authorities have assured the public that the children will be provided with proper care and protection as the case progresses.
The command plans to work with child-protection organisations and other relevant agencies to provide the children with counselling, support and services that may be needed for their recovery. Police also said the identities of the children would remain protected to preserve their privacy and dignity.
Mr Ama emphasised that the children should be treated with compassion and sensitivity throughout the process. He said their safety and wellbeing must come first, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The commissioner also commended local vigilante personnel, bloggers and residents whose information reportedly helped security operatives trace the suspect and make the arrest. He encouraged members of the public to continue reporting suspected cases of child abuse and exploitation to appropriate authorities.
Child sexual exploitation is a criminal offence under Nigerian law. The Child Rights Act of 2003 prohibits the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Under Section 32 of the law, a person convicted of such an offence may face up to 14 years in prison.
Nigeria’s Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 also criminalises child pornography. Section 17(1) of the legislation prohibits the production, distribution, possession and use of exploitative sexual material involving children.
Police have appealed for patience while the investigation continues. They said additional information would be released when it is appropriate and when doing so would not compromise the case or the protection of the children involved.
