The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old woman, identified as Anulika Onyeanusia, over alleged child exploitation and the production of explicit online content involving a minor in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The command also rescued four children, aged two, three, six and nine years, during the operation and recovered items said to be relevant to the ongoing investigation.
The police said the investigation followed the receipt of a disturbing video allegedly showing the suspect involving a minor in an explicit act.
Confirming the arrest, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect was allegedly using her daughter to produce adult-oriented content for online income.
According to him, the suspect is currently in police custody as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and determine whether other persons were involved.
Ikenga disclosed that the police were also interrogating the woman’s husband to ascertain whether he had any connection with the alleged activities.
He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, expressed deep concern over the incident, particularly the alleged exploitation of children who are unable to protect themselves.
The commissioner, he added, directed that the matter be thoroughly and professionally investigated while ensuring that the rescued children receive appropriate care and protection.
The police spokesperson said the authorities were also examining the circumstances surrounding the children’s welfare and the alleged production and circulation of the online content.
However, the suspect has reportedly denied the allegation, claiming that the videos circulating online were generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
The police said investigations are ongoing to establish the authenticity of the videos, the circumstances under which they were produced and circulated, and whether any other individuals may have been involved.
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of child abuse or exploitation to the appropriate authorities.
