The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has commenced an investigation into allegations of child molestation at a daycare facility in Lagos following renewed social media discussions involving popular singer Simisola Kosoko, known as Simi.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, ordered the probe after online posts resurfaced, suggesting possible abuse in a daycare environment. The agency disclosed this in a statement shared on its official X handle on Friday.
According to the statement, Bello directed operatives to immediately begin a comprehensive inquiry into the claims.
“The Director-General of NAPTIP has mandated operatives to carry out a full investigation into the alleged child molestation and abuse in a daycare setting in Lagos, as inferred from suggestive online posts linked to a popular Nigerian singer,” the statement read.
NAPTIP acknowledged public concern surrounding the allegations and encouraged individuals with relevant information to come forward.
“While we appreciate the vigilance and concern shown by Nigerians, we want to assure the public that all our communication platforms remain open to receive complaints from anyone who may have experienced abuse or violation at the said daycare,” the agency stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to child protection, the agency added, “Child protection remains our utmost priority. We urge members of the public with credible information to report through our official channels to aid the investigation.”
The development comes shortly after the Lagos State Government also initiated steps to look into the matter.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed during an interview on Channels Television that the case had been forwarded to the Commissioner of Police for preliminary investigation.
The controversy began when old social media posts allegedly authored by Simi between 2012 and 2013 resurfaced online.
The renewed attention followed recent comments by the singer condemning sexual violence, including calls for strict punishment for rapists and her assertion that many women she knows have experienced sexual assault.
Critics subsequently shared archived tweets which they claimed contained suggestive references to inappropriate conduct in a daycare setting.
In response to the backlash, Simi clarified that the old posts had been taken out of context and denied any wrongdoing or connection to child abuse.
