The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called for an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a minor in Onitsha and comprehensive medical, psychological and social support for four children rescued in connection with the case.
Dr Soludo, in a statement issued by her media aide, Mr Daniel Ezeigwe, in Awka on Saturday, described the alleged abuse as deeply disturbing and urged the police to establish the full facts surrounding the case.
The call followed the arrest of 36-year-old Anulika Onyeanusia by the Anambra State Police Command in connection with an alleged case of child abuse in Onitsha, according to the command.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement that four children, aged two, three, six and nine, were rescued during the operation.
He said sex toys and other items relevant to the investigation were also recovered from the residence, stressing that the suspect’s husband was being questioned to establish whether he had any connection with the alleged offence.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and determine whether other persons may have been involved.
Reacting to the development, Dr Soludo condemned the alleged abuse and exploitation of the child and commended the Police and members of the public whose information and intervention reportedly led to the rescue of the children.
“There are some things that are simply beyond comprehension, and the alleged abuse of innocent children is one of them. Children are meant to be protected, loved and given the safety to grow, not subjected to any form of sexual exploitation or abuse. No child deserves to experience such trauma, and no society should ever become comfortable with the abuse of its most vulnerable.”
The First Lady urged the Police to conduct a transparent and professional investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable after due process faces the law.
She pledged to engage with relevant government agencies and authorities to ensure that the children receive the necessary medical, psychological, social and rehabilitation support to aid their recovery.
“I will also be engaging with the appropriate government agencies to see how we can provide the necessary medical, psychological, social and rehabilitation support to help these children begin the difficult journey towards healing and recovery,” she said
Dr Soludo appealed to parents, guardians, neighbours and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse. She said, “Silence can never be an option when the safety of a child is at stake.”
Meanwhile, Onyeanusia has reportedly denied the allegations, claiming during her arrest that videos circulating online were artificially generated.
In a subsequent video reportedly recorded while she was in security custody, she appealed to members of the public for forgiveness, reportedly attributing her alleged actions to the influence of the devil and claiming that other people were involved in similar activities for financial gain.
The claims could not be independently verified, and the Police investigation remains ongoing.
