NAPTIP Launches Probe Into Alleged Child Abuse in Daycare Centres Nationwide

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has announced plans to investigate credible reports of alleged child sexual abuse and misconduct in daycare facilities across Nigeria.

In a public notice issued on its official platforms on Tuesday, the agency said it was responding to growing public concerns and discussions surrounding the allegations, promising to take decisive action where necessary.

“Following recent public discussions and concerns raised regarding alleged incidents of child sexual abuse and misconduct in daycare settings in Nigeria, the agency is committed to thoroughly investigating all credible reports,” the statement read.

NAPTIP called on members of the public with factual information, verifiable evidence, or direct knowledge of any incidents referenced in recent viral posts to come forward.

The agency assured potential whistleblowers of confidentiality, urging them to share information via direct message or through its official email channel,email at info@naptip.gov.ng.

As Nigeria’s lead anti-trafficking agency, NAPTIP is mandated to combat human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and related abuses, with a strong focus on protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

The agency’s announcement follows the resurfacing of old social media posts on X (formerly Twitter) linked to popular Nigerian singer Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, widely known as Simi.

The posts, reportedly made in her early 20s while assisting at her mother’s daycare centre, have sparked renewed public debate online.

Some of the resurfaced posts, which described her interactions with children at the time, have drawn criticism from social media users.

Addressing the controversy, the 37-year-old artiste stated that she was not a public figure when the posts were made and maintained that they reflected innocent moments from her personal life. She denied any inappropriate intent, stressing that nothing she shared stemmed from perversion.

Simi further disclosed that her team had begun deleting some of the posts, citing their sensitive nature and the potential impact on her family.

Meanwhile, NAPTIP reiterated its appeal to anyone personally affected by any incident referenced in the viral posts to contact the agency confidentially, assuring the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.