The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has expressed deep concern and outrage over reports concerning the alleged sexual abuse and online exploitation of a seven-year-old girl by her mother, Mrs. Anulika Nwokike in Onitsha, Anambra State.
FOSAD said it considered the allegations extremely grave and disturbing, particularly because they involve a child who should be protected, nurtured and made to feel safest in the care of her parents and family.
The Forum, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Nwala and Secretary General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, said recent reports indicated that the 36-year-old woman had been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command in connection with allegations involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
It added that other reports have stated that the children involved have been placed in protective custody by the Anambra State Government.
The statement partly read, “FOSAD welcomes the reported intervention of the security authorities and calls on the Anambra State Government to ensure that the matter is subjected to a comprehensive, transparent and professionally conducted investigation.
“The forum stresses that every aspect of the case must be thoroughly investigated, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse, the production and distribution of the material, the platform or platforms allegedly used, any financial transactions connected with the material, and whether other individuals were involved in facilitating, encouraging, recording, distributing or profiting from the alleged exploitation.
“FOSAD’s immediate concern is the safety, dignity and psychological wellbeing of the child.”
FOSAD further noted, “The alleged victim must not be exposed to further trauma during the investigation or legal process. Her identity, location, school and other information capable of revealing her identity must be protected. The child should be provided with appropriate medical assessment, psychological support, counselling and a safe environment in which she can begin to recover from the alleged experience.
“FOSAD further urges the relevant authorities to ensure that the child is not returned to an environment where there is a reasonable risk of further abuse until competent child-protection authorities and the appropriate court have determined what arrangement is in her best interest.
“FOSAD is particularly concerned by reports circulating in the public domain suggesting that consideration may be given to pardoning Mrs Anulika Nwokike if she provides information about other persons allegedly involved in similar activities.”
FOSAD stated that while cooperation with investigators can be valuable in exposing a wider network of child exploitation, it maintained that any decision concerning prosecution, plea arrangements, 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 alleged offence concerns the protection of a child and must not be treated as a private family matter or reduced to an issue that can be resolved through informal intervention. If the allegations are established by competent authorities and the courts, those responsible must face the full consequences provided by law,” the statement added.
The Forum further charged the authorities “to establish whether anyone assisted in producing, recording, transmitting, marketing or distributing the alleged abusive material. They should also determine whether anyone knowingly paid for, facilitated or benefited financially from the exploitation of the child.
“The reported involvement of online platforms and alleged financial payments makes it important for investigators to examine the digital trail associated with the case.
“Where appropriate, Nigerian law-enforcement agencies should work with relevant technology companies, financial institutions and international law-enforcement partners to identify and dismantle any wider network involved in the exploitation of children.”
FOSAD said it believed that the investigation must be evidence-based, professionally conducted and free from political, social or other interference.
“The forum therefore calls on the Anambra State Government, the Anambra State Police Command, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, child-protection agencies and the relevant judicial authorities to work together to ensure that the matter receives the seriousness it deserves,” FOSAD stated.
