Nigerian Agency NAPTIP Launches Probe Into Singer Simi's Old Tweets Allegedly ‘Sexualising’ Minors At Mother’s Daycare

 The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched an investigation into allegations of child abuse at a daycare center in Lagos, following the resurfacing of old social media posts linked to popular Nigerian singer Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, better known as Simi.

The controversy erupted recently when several tweets from Simi, dating back to around 2012 and 2013, began circulating widely on social media platforms. At the time, Simi  who was in her early 20s and still building her music career  was assisting at her mother's daycare facility while juggling her aspirations in entertainment. The posts, which described everyday interactions with children in a casual and sometimes humorous way, have been interpreted by some users as inappropriate or suggestive in nature. Critics pointed to specific references involving kids at the daycare, claiming they carried undertones that sexualized minors or reflected concerning attitudes.

In response to mounting public concern and calls for accountability, NAPTIP's Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, directed the agency's operatives to conduct a thorough probe into the claims of child molestation and abuse in a daycare setting in Lagos. The directive, announced via the agency's official channels, emphasized that the investigation stems from suggestive online content attributed to a well-known Nigerian singer. NAPTIP stressed its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and urged anyone with credible evidence or personal experiences of abuse at the facility or similar settings  to come forward confidentially through its active reporting platforms.

The agency made clear that it takes all reports seriously and is prepared to examine any verifiable information that surfaces. This move aligns with NAPTIP's broader mandate to address issues related to child exploitation, including in care environments where young children are entrusted to adults.

Simi has since addressed the backlash directly on her social media accounts. She explained that the tweets were made over a decade ago when she was 23 years old and helping out at her mother's daycare as part of her daily life while pursuing music. She described the posts as reflections of ordinary moments often lighthearted observations about children and insisted they have been taken out of context or deliberately misinterpreted to fit damaging narratives. The singer denied any wrongdoing, highlighting how social media can amplify old content without full background, and expressed frustration at efforts to twist her past experiences.

The situation has sparked wider conversations online about accountability for past statements in the digital age, the responsibilities of public figures, and the serious nature of child protection allegations. Some supporters have defended Simi, arguing the tweets were innocent jokes or commentary from a young woman in a caregiving role, while others have called for deeper scrutiny given the sensitivity of topics involving minors.

Meanwhile, related authorities, including the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, have also indicated involvement, referring aspects of the matter to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for preliminary review. This multi-agency interest features the gravity with which Nigerian institutions are treating any potential risks to children in daycare or similar environments.

NAPTIP has reiterated its appeal for evidence-based cooperation from the public, ensuring due process while prioritizing child welfare. No formal charges have been announced, and the probe remains in its early stages, focused on verifying claims and gathering facts. The outcome could influence ongoing discussions about online speech, historical context, and safeguarding measures in childcare settings across the country.