The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has issued a public advisory following rising public debate and concerns over alleged child sexual abuse and misconduct in some Nigerian daycare centres.
The agency’s notice comes amid renewed online scrutiny triggered by the resurfacing of old social media posts made in 2012 by Nigerian singer Simi, which some social media users have misinterpreted as inappropriate.
In a statement, NAPTIP reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on child abuse and stressed its readiness to thoroughly investigate every credible report brought before it. The agency called on members of the public who have factual information, evidence, or personal experiences related to child abuse to confidentially reach out via direct message or email at info@naptip.gov.ng.
NAPTIP also provided contact details for its headquarters in Abuja as well as its Lagos Zonal Command, assuring whistleblowers of confidentiality in all reports received.
The controversy emerged after Simi’s old tweets from when she was 23 years old resurfaced online. At the time, she was assisting at her mother’s daycare while also pursuing her music career. The tweets referenced affectionate and innocent interactions with children, which some social media users later misconstrued as improper.
Reacting to the backlash, Simi addressed the issue on Twitter, offering context and firmly denying any wrongdoing. She stated that the tweets were taken out of context and warned against attempts to distort her past to fit false narratives, emphasising that there was nothing inappropriate in her actions at the time.
NAPTIP urged the public to remain vigilant, responsible, and factual when discussing sensitive issues involving children, noting that allegations should always be supported by evidence and channelled through the appropriate authorities.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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