NAPTIP Opens Probe Into Abuse Allegations Linked to Simi’s Mother’s Daycare
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched an investigation into allegations of child molestation connected to a daycare centre owned by the mother of singer and actress Simisola Kosoko, following renewed online scrutiny of her past social media posts.
The agency confirmed on Friday that its Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, directed operatives to commence a comprehensive inquiry into claims of possible child abuse in a Lagos daycare setting. The directive came after old posts attributed to the singer resurfaced on social media, prompting public concern and calls for official action.
In its statement, NAPTIP said it welcomed the vigilance of Nigerians and urged anyone with credible information or who may have experienced abuse at the facility to come forward through its official communication channels.
The controversy erupted after social media users revisited posts Simi made in 2012, when she indicated she was assisting at her mother’s daycare. Some online commentators alleged that the posts suggested inappropriate conduct involving toddlers. The claims intensified despite counter-arguments that certain posts may have been misrepresented or altered.
Earlier, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) disclosed that it had begun preliminary steps but faced limitations in pursuing prosecution due to the absence of any identified victim or formal complaint.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Morning Brief,” the agency’s Executive Secretary, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, explained that while the allegations could not be ignored, legal action would be difficult without a survivor willing to make a statement.
She said the agency had encouraged anyone directly affected to report the matter so investigators could determine the appropriate course of action.
Vivour-Adeniyi also confirmed that the case had been referred to the Lagos State Police Command for further review. According to her, safeguarding and child protection concerns raised by the reports had been escalated to the state’s child protection task force, which has commenced its own preliminary inquiries.
The renewed attention followed recent public debates on sexual assault allegations in Nigeria. The singer had previously addressed issues of sexual violence online, after which critics drew attention to her older posts. Although Simi acknowledged authoring the tweets, she maintained they had been misinterpreted and manipulated to fit misleading narratives. She denied any wrongdoing and stated she had never engaged in immoral conduct.
She further explained that her public profile had led to intense scrutiny of past statements and disclosed that some older posts were being removed by her team out of consideration for her family.
As of the time of filing this report, no formal complaint or identified complainant has been announced by either NAPTIP or Lagos authorities, while investigations remain ongoing.
