Lere Olayinka, an aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerian authorities to ban or at least review the use of TikTok in the country. The demand follows the arrest of a 36-year-old woman in Onitsha, Anambra State, who allegedly used the platform to distribute a pornographic video of her eight-year-old daughter.
Arrest of Anulika Onyeanusia
The Anambra State Police Command detained Anulika Onyeanusia on Friday, September 11, after a viral video allegedly showed her sexually abusing a child with sex toys. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, a superintendent of police, confirmed the arrest, stating that operatives picked her up earlier that day in the Onitsha area.
During the operation, officers rescued four children aged two, three, six, and nine years old. Sex toys and other items that may assist the investigation were also recovered at the scene. Onyeanusia is being investigated for alleged child pornography.
Aide's Call for TikTok Review
Olayinka cited the case as evidence that TikTok poses a serious danger to children in Nigeria, arguing that the platform had become a channel through which exploitation of minors is monetised. During questioning, Onyeanusia told investigators that the highest amount she received from uploading a sexual video involving her daughter was $300.
Ikenga added that the suspect's husband has also been taken in for questioning to establish whether he had any knowledge of or involvement in the alleged abuse. "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.
Police Commissioner's Response
Anambra Commissioner of Police Nnanna Ama described the incident as "unacceptable," particularly given that the victims are children who cannot protect themselves. He directed that a thorough and professional investigation be carried out and assured the public that the rescued children would receive appropriate care.
Ama said the Command would work alongside child-protection and support agencies to provide the children with counselling, care, and all other assistance needed for their recovery. He stressed that their identities and privacy would be protected throughout the process. The commissioner also praised local vigilante operatives, bloggers, and residents whose tip-offs helped officers locate and arrest the suspect.
This incident comes amid broader concerns about social media regulation in Nigeria. Previously, the federal government suspended indefinitely the operations of Twitter in the country, announced by then-Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, June 4.
