A 35-year-old woman, identified as Mrs Anulika Nwokike Onyeanusi, has pleaded not guilty to a 14-count charge bordering on the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of her two daughters, aged seven and nine, before the Anambra State High Court’s Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka.
The case follows a police investigation launched in September after a disturbing video allegedly involving the sexual abuse of a minor circulated online, prompting public outrage and calls for the protection of children.
The charges reportedly include rape, the use of children for pornography, sexual exploitation, and emotional and psychological abuse.
How the case began
The Anambra State Police Command announced on September 11, 2026, that it had arrested a woman identified as Anulika Onyeanusia in connection with an alleged child pornography case in Onitsha.
According to the police, officers acted on information about a video circulating online that allegedly depicted the sexual abuse of a minor.
During the operation, police said they rescued four children, aged two, three, six and nine, and recovered items considered relevant to the investigation.
The police also questioned the suspect’s husband to establish whether he had any knowledge of, or involvement in, the alleged offences.
The Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated and that the children receive appropriate care, protection and counselling.
Husband recounts alleged discovery
In a separate media report, the suspect’s husband, Ikechukwu Onyeanyusi, recounted how a friend allegedly showed him the video while he was returning from his business.
He said he was shocked by what he saw and subsequently confronted his wife about the allegations.
According to his account, she initially denied the allegations and suggested that the video had been generated using artificial intelligence.
He further claimed that police officers later arrived at their residence, conducted a search and arrested her.
These claims form part of the background to the investigation and have not been independently established as facts in court.
Police conclude investigation
On September 24, the Anambra State Police Command announced that it had concluded its investigation and forwarded the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions for the necessary legal action.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said the suspect remained in custody pending further proceedings at that stage.
The development marked a step towards formal prosecution following the initial investigation into the alleged abuse and the circumstances surrounding the circulation of the video.
Court adjourns bail ruling
According to the latest court report, the defendant appeared before Justice Peace Otti at the Anambra State High Court’s Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court in Awka.
She pleaded not guilty to all 14 counts.
Her counsel, Mrs Chikodili Nwaka-Ohuoha, subsequently applied for bail on her behalf.
Justice Otti adjourned the case to November 27, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application.
Child protection concerns
The allegations have renewed concerns about child protection, sexual exploitation and the responsibility of adults to safeguard children from abuse.
The police have said that the welfare, dignity and safety of the rescued children remain priorities, with appropriate support agencies expected to assist in providing care and counselling.
The case remains before the court. The defendant has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations must be determined through the judicial process.
IBN News will continue to follow developments in the case.
