By Ime Silas
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors, FOSAD, has condemned in strong terms the alleged sexual abuse and online exploitation of a seven-year-old girl by her biological mother in Onitsha, Anambra State, describing the case as grave, disturbing and a betrayal of parental responsibility.
The victim’s mother, Mrs. Anulika Nwokike, 36, was recently arrested by the Anambra State Police Command following reports linking her to the sexual exploitation of the minor. The Anambra State Government has reportedly taken the children involved into protective custody.
In a press statement signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Nwala, and Secretary General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, FOSAD said it received the reports with deep concern and outrage, stressing that a child should be protected, nurtured and made to feel safest in the care of her parents and family.
FOSAD, while welcoming the swift intervention of the security agencies and the state government, called on the Anambra State Government to ensure that the matter is subjected to a comprehensive, transparent and professionally conducted investigation.
The academic forum insisted that no aspect of the case should be overlooked. According to the group, investigators must probe the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse, the alleged production and distribution of exploitative materials, the platforms allegedly used, any financial transactions connected to the materials, and whether other individuals facilitated, encouraged, recorded, distributed or profited from the act.
The forum said its immediate priority is the safety, dignity and psychological wellbeing of the child involved.
It urged law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and the media to ensure that the alleged victim is not exposed to further trauma during investigation and prosecution, and that her identity, location, school and other identifying information remain fully protected in line with child protection best practices.
FOSAD further called for appropriate medical assessment, psychological support, counselling and a safe environment for the child to begin the process of recovery, adding that the child must not be returned to any environment where there is reasonable risk of further abuse until competent child-protection authorities and a court of competent jurisdiction determine what arrangement is in her best interest.
The group also expressed concern over reports circulating in the public domain suggesting that Mrs. Nwokike could be considered for pardon if she provides information about other persons allegedly involved in similar activities.
While noting that cooperation with investigators can help expose a wider network of child exploitation, FOSAD maintained that any decision concerning prosecution, plea bargains, immunity or other legal concessions must be determined strictly within the framework of Nigerian law and due process.
“FOSAD therefore does not support any blanket pardon or administrative intervention that could prevent a proper investigation and, where the evidence establishes criminal responsibility, prosecution before a competent court,” the statement read.
The forum emphasized that the alleged offence concerns the protection of a child and must not be treated as a private family matter or resolved through informal family or community intervention. It said if the allegations are established by competent authorities and the courts, those responsible must face the full consequences provided by law.
FOSAD also urged investigators to establish whether anyone assisted in producing, recording, transmitting, marketing or distributing the alleged abusive material, and whether anyone knowingly paid for, facilitated or benefited financially from the exploitation.
It noted that the reported involvement of online platforms and alleged financial payments makes it imperative for investigators to examine the digital trail associated with the case, including working with technology companies, financial institutions and international law enforcement partners where necessary to dismantle any wider network.
The forum stressed that the investigation must be evidence-based, professionally conducted and free from political, social or other interference.
It therefore called on the Anambra State Government, the Anambra State Police Command, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, child-protection agencies and relevant judicial authorities to collaborate to ensure justice is served and the child is protected.
