Onyeanusia was arrested by the Anambra State Police Command after a disturbing video involving the child circulated widely online and attracted public attention.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly told investigators that she uploaded the material to generate income, adding that the highest payment she received from such content was $300.
The police said preliminary investigations also indicated that Onyeanusia may have subjected her first daughter to similar abuse and uploaded the resulting material online.
The eight-year-old girl featured in the viral footage was identified as the suspect’s second child. Police said four children, aged two, three, six and nine, were rescued during the operation.
The command said the arrest followed information obtained through open-source intelligence, which enabled its operatives to identify and trace the suspect.
According to the police, sex toys and other items considered relevant to the investigation were recovered during the operation.
The suspect reportedly blamed her actions on the devil and told investigators that her husband was unaware of the alleged abuse involving their children. Her husband has also been taken in for questioning as investigators seek to establish whether he had any knowledge of or connection to the alleged offences.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest and rescue of the children, saying the suspect remained in custody while investigators worked to establish the full circumstances of the case and determine whether other individuals were
involved.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter, describing the alleged exploitation of the children as unacceptable.
He added that the command’s priority was the safety and wellbeing of the rescued children, noting that arrangements were being made with relevant child-protection and support agencies to provide them with appropriate care, counselling and protection.
The police spokesman said the identities and privacy of the children would be safeguarded throughout the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
The command also commended vigilante operatives, residents and bloggers whose information reportedly assisted the police in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
