The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has commenced an investigation following public controversy surrounding resurfaced social media posts attributed to Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi.
In an official statement, NAPTIP Director-General Binta Adamu Bello directed agency operatives to probe allegations relating to possible child abuse and misconduct reportedly connected to a daycare facility allegedly owned by the singer’s mother in Lagos State.
According to the agency, the investigation became necessary after old posts linked to the artiste circulated online, triggering widespread public debate and calls for accountability as well as child protection measures.
NAPTIP stated that its inquiry aims to determine the authenticity of the claims and establish whether any violations of child protection laws or criminal offences occurred within the daycare environment.
The agency encouraged individuals with relevant information or firsthand knowledge of any alleged incidents to submit reports confidentially through its headquarters in Abuja, the Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja, or through its official communication channels.
NAPTIP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children nationwide, noting that anyone found guilty of abuse, exploitation, or related offences would face prosecution under existing laws.
The development follows criticism directed at the agency after it issued a public notice requesting victims or witnesses with credible evidence of alleged misconduct in daycare centres to come forward. Some social media users argued that the agency appeared to be placing investigative responsibility on the public.
The controversy began after screenshots of posts dating back to 2012 and 2013 resurfaced online. The posts, reportedly made while Simi assisted at her mother’s daycare, contained comments about interactions with children that many social media users described as inappropriate.
In response, the singer stated that the posts reflected casual observations from her early adulthood before she gained fame. She maintained that her comments were not sexual in nature and said they had been misinterpreted.
Simi explained that she frequently shared personal experiences on social media at the time and described the tweets as harmless reflections of everyday moments involving children at the daycare.
She also addressed the removal of some posts from her account, stating that members of her team deleted certain tweets due to the sensitivity of the situation, although she personally did not support deleting them.
The singer further reiterated her longstanding stance against sexual violence, insisting that she has never supported or engaged in any form of abuse.
Investigations by NAPTIP are ongoing.
