The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of child abuse at a Lagos daycare facility following widespread public concern over resurfaced social media posts linked to singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi.
The agency’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, directed operatives to immediately commence an inquiry into the matter as controversy intensified online.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Friday, NAPTIP said the investigation was prompted by disturbing claims circulating on social media and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children.
“Child protection remains our priority,” the agency stated, noting that all official communication platforms are open to receive complaints or information from anyone who may have experienced abuse at the facility in question.
“Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, OON, has directed Operatives of the Agency to commence a full-scale investigation into the alleged Child Molestation and Abuse in a Day-care setting in Lagos, as deduced from the suggestive online post by a popular Nigeria Singer”, the statement reads.
“While appreciating the genuine concern of Nigerians on the matter, the Agency wishes to inform the general public that all its communication platforms are active and available to take complaints from anyone who may have been abused or violated on the said Day-care.”
The development follows an earlier intervention by the Lagos State Government. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, revealed during a Channels Television programme that the case had been referred to the Commissioner of Police for preliminary investigation.
The controversy began after screenshots of tweets allegedly written in 2012 and 2013 resurfaced online shortly after Simi publicly condemned sexual violence and advocated strict punishment for offenders. Critics claimed the old posts suggested inappropriate conduct within a daycare setting.
Simi has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the resurfaced comments were misconstrued and unrelated to any abuse allegations.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing.
