Four children aged two to nine were rescued in the operation, as the suspect’s husband also undergoes questioning over possible involvement.
Police in Anambra State say they have arrested a 36-year-old woman, Anulika Onyeanusia, over her alleged involvement in a disturbing video showing the sexual abuse of a minor in Onitsha.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said in a statement on Friday that operatives arrested the suspect on the evening of Thursday, 10 September, after acting on open-source intelligence concerning a video circulating online.
What the police say they found
Ikenga said the operation led to the rescue of four children, aged two, three, six and nine, and the recovery of items police described as relevant to the ongoing investigation.
He said the suspect is being investigated in connection with an alleged case of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
“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,” Ikenga said.
“The husband of the suspect is also undergoing interrogation to determine whether he has any connection with the alleged offence.”
Police response and child protection measures
Ikenga said Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama was “deeply disturbed” by the allegations, describing the reported conduct as unacceptable given that it involved the exploitation and abuse of children incapable of protecting themselves.
The commissioner directed a thorough and professional investigation and assured that the rescued children would receive appropriate care and protection.
Ikenga said the command’s priority extends beyond investigation and prosecution to the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the rescued children, and that police would work with relevant child-protection and support agencies to ensure the children receive necessary care, counselling and other assistance for their recovery.
“Their identities and privacy will be protected throughout the process, and they will be treated with compassion and sensitivity,” he said.
The commissioner also commended vigilante operatives, bloggers and residents whose information assisted the investigation and led to the arrest.
What the law says
Sexual exploitation and abuse of children are prohibited under Nigerian law.
Section 32 of the Child Rights Act 2003 criminalises sexual abuse and exploitation of children, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment upon conviction. Separately, Section 17(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Act 2015 outlaws child pornography, prescribing a minimum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of not less than N1 million.
The Cybercrimes Act 2024 also criminalises child pornography.
Several people have previously been convicted under these laws. In June 2025, the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced Olukeye Adeayo Olalekan to 76 years’ imprisonment on child pornography-related charges.
In 2024, a Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court sentenced Nurudeen Nasiru to life imprisonment for introducing pornographic material to, and sexually assaulting, his neighbour’s 13-year-old daughter.
