The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has responded to calls from Nigerians to investigate the alleged child sexual abuse at singer Simi’s mother daycare centre.
This came after Simi’s old posts on X surfaced on social media amid the rape allegation by a Tiktok user identified as Mirabel.
The singer had raised concerns over the growing sexual assault culture in the country.
While explaining that almost every woman she knows are victims of sexual assault, she recommended that rapists should be castrated.
Her post resulted in an online exchange between her and others with contradictory opinions.
Amid the controversy, some of the singer’s old tweet about experience with children at her mother’s daycare resurfaced online, with users alleging it suggested inappropriate intent.
The surge in debate was triggered by the resurfacing of old tweets from singer Simi dating back to 2012.
Director General Binta L. Adamu Bello reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to investigating every credible report related to child exploitation.
She urged anyone with factual information or personal experience to report confidentially via direct message or email at info@naptip.gov.ng, with contacts available at the Abuja headquarters and Lagos Zonal Command.
Simi addressed the resurfaced posts on Twitter, emphasising the innocent nature of her 2012 experiences at her mother’s daycare.
She said, “14 years ago, I was 23, so I was definitely not a child. I’m not here to make excuses because I don’t have anything to make excuses for. What I can’t let anyone do is twist my story to fit false narratives.”
She added, “In 2012, I lived and helped out at my mom’s daycare while I was hustling my music. I tweeted everything that happened in my life… Nothing I tweeted was from perversion. I’ve never been depraved in my life.”
Both NAPTIP and Simi’s statements underscore the need for careful interpretation of social media content.
The agency stressed that all allegations of child abuse must be treated seriously while encouraging the public to report responsibly to protect vulnerable children and ensure fair investigations.