Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, in Onitsha over allegations of child pornography and sexual abuse involving minors, following the circulation of a disturbing video that showed her allegedly using sex toys on a child. The arrest, which took place on the evening of Thursday, September 10, 2026, was confirmed by the command's spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued to newsmen. The operation also led to the rescue of four children aged two, three, six and nine years, as well as the recovery of sex toys and other items relevant to the ongoing investigation. 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 case first came to public attention through open-source intelligence. A video had been circulating on social media showing a woman allegedly using sex toys on a minor during a livestream on a popular platform. The footage sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians calling for urgent investigation and stronger action to protect children from online exploitation. The police said they acted on this intelligence and moved swiftly to locate and arrest the suspect. According to reports, the woman, a mother of four, was confronted over the alleged conduct before her arrest. In a separate video that circulated online, she reportedly stood her ground, insisting that nobody could stop her from doing what made her money online. "Nobody can do me anything. I will continue to do what makes me money online. You all are not saints and you all have done worse in private," she allegedly said.
During interrogation, the suspect and her husband, who is also being questioned by the police, maintained that the viral videos were artificially generated using AI technology. The claim has been met with widespread skepticism. One social media user noted that AI does not generate any picture or video related to sexual activities, nudes or violence, while others expressed disbelief that a mother could commit such an act against her own child. The police have not publicly commented on the veracity of the AI claim, but forensic examination of seized devices is expected to form part of the probe to identify any buyers or distributors of the recorded material.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, was deeply disturbed by the alleged act and described it as unacceptable, particularly because it involved the exploitation and abuse of children who were incapable of protecting themselves. He has directed a thorough and professional investigation while ensuring that the rescued children receive appropriate care and protection. The command noted that beyond the investigation and prosecution, its priority is the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the rescued children. It stated that it would work with appropriate child-protection and relevant support agencies to ensure that the victims receive the necessary care, protection, counselling and other support required for their recovery. The identities and privacy of the children will be protected throughout the process, and they will be treated with compassion and sensitivity.
Neighbours who contacted investigators said they were alarmed after a video showing one of the children being abused was leaked and circulated in the community. According to residents, the nine-year-old victim had repeatedly complained of pain in recent weeks, and neighbours said they had grown increasingly concerned about the children's welfare. Investigators moved quickly after receiving the report, carrying out a search of the property and arresting the mother. The suspect's husband was also taken into custody for questioning as police probe possible complicity. Officers have custody of the rescued children and are coordinating with relevant social welfare and child protection agencies to ensure they receive immediate medical attention and psychosocial care.
The police have commended the vigilante operatives in the area, as well as bloggers and residents who provided information that assisted the investigation and led to the arrest of the suspect. They have also appealed to anyone with information about the case, or who may have seen related material online or offline, to come forward and report to the Anambra State Command to assist with the investigation. The arrest has generated strong reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing shock and calling for a thorough investigation. Some reactions focused on the need to protect children from exploitation, while others questioned the suspect's mental state and the role of the husband. One commenter suggested that the husband should be thoroughly investigated, while another lamented that the girl child is no longer safe even in the hands of her mother.
The legal implications of the case are severe. Sexual exploitation of children is a grave criminal offence under Nigerian law, and authorities have said those found producing, distributing, or consuming child sexual abuse material will be prosecuted. Child protection advocates have condemned the alleged acts and called for a thorough investigation that holds all perpetrators and facilitators accountable. The case also raises troubling questions about the role of live-streaming platforms in facilitating the exploitation of children. The fact that the abuse was allegedly broadcast live in exchange for monetary gifts suggests a disturbing convergence of technology, greed, and the vulnerability of children. The investigation is ongoing, and the police have promised to ensure that the rescued children receive the care and protection they need to recover from their ordeal. For now, the children are safe, the suspect is in custody, and a community is left to grapple with the horrifying reality that a mother could allegedly do to her own child what was done in Onitsha.
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