Nigeria’s child protection authorities have stepped into a fast-growing online controversy after allegations of child sexual abuse surfaced in connection with a daycare centre reportedly owned by the mother of popular singer Simi.
The development follows heated social media exchanges involving the award-winning artiste, whose recent comments condemning sexual assault triggered intense debate. In earlier posts, Simi had expressed frustration over what she described as a troubling culture of sexual violence, stating that many women she knows have experienced assault and calling for severe punishment for rapists.
However, the conversation took a new turn when some of her past posts on X resurfaced online. Certain users interpreted the old comments which referenced experiences involving children at her mother’s daycare as suggestive of inappropriate intent, prompting calls for official scrutiny. The renewed controversy also unfolded alongside a rape allegation raised by a TikTok user identified as Mirabel, further intensifying online discourse.
Responding to mounting public concern, the Federal Government, through the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traff icking in Persons (NAPTIP), announced that it is prepared to investigate any credible claims relating to child sexual abuse or misconduct.
In a statement shared on its official X account, NAPTIP assured Nigerians of its commitment to child protection and urged individuals with concrete evidence or direct knowledge of any wrongdoing to come forward confidentially. The agency emphasized that safeguarding children remains a priority and that all verifiable allegations will be treated with seriousness.
As of the time of reporting, no formal findings or charges have been announced, and the investigation process if initiated is expected to follow established legal procedures.
The situation has once again spotlighted the power of social media to amplify allegations and the responsibility of authorities to separate verified claims from speculation, particularly in cases involving sensitive issues such as child welfare.