Simi: NAPTIP Opens Investigation Into Alleged Child Abuse at Lagos Daycare

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has commenced a full-scale investigation into allegations of child molestation and abuse at a Lagos-based daycare facility after claims surfaced online.

The agency’s Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, issued the directive on Friday, instructing operatives to immediately probe the allegations, which were deduced from suggestive social media posts linked to Nigerian singer Simi.

In a statement shared via its official X platform, NAPTIP confirmed that the decision followed growing public concern over resurfaced posts and accusations circulating online.

The controversy intensified after Simi recently made strong remarks condemning sexual violence, including advocating strict punishment for rapists and highlighting how widespread sexual assault is among women. Shortly after, screenshots of tweets from 2012 and 2013, allegedly authored by Simi, began trending again, with critics interpreting some of the content as suggestive of inappropriate conduct linked to a daycare setting.

Responding to the uproar, Simi denied any wrongdoing, stating that the decade-old posts were taken out of context and bore no connection to abuse or misconduct.

Meanwhile, NAPTIP assured the public that child protection remains a top priority and urged anyone with credible information regarding the alleged daycare incident to report through its official channels.

The development comes as the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency also waded into the matter. Its Executive Secretary, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed during an appearance on Channels Television that the case had been referred to the Commissioner of Police for preliminary investigation.

As investigations proceed at both federal and state levels, attention remains on the claims tied to Simi and whether authorities will uncover evidence to substantiate the allegations surrounding the Lagos daycare facility.

No Promise of a Perfect Vote in 2027 – INEC Chairman

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has appealed to Nigerians to moderate their expectations ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the commission may not deliver a completely flawless process.

Speaking at the Citizens’ Town Hall programme on the Electoral Act 2026, Amupitan said while Nigerians desire a perfect election, such a standard may not yet be attainable.

“Let me just appeal to Nigerians… what Nigerians desire is a perfect election,” he said. “INEC will strive as much as possible to give this country the best election. However, we may not be able to achieve a 100 per cent perfect election for now.”

He, however, assured stakeholders that the commission possesses the technical capacity to electronically transmit election results, dismissing concerns that transmission itself is a major obstacle.

“As far as electronic transmission of results is concerned… we have the capacity to transmit the results, and that we’re going to transmit the results. The only concern was real-time,” he said.

The INEC chairman cited the recent FCT Area Council election, where results from Kabi ward in Kuje were delayed due to terrain and network challenges, explaining that connectivity — not competence — was the primary issue.

“I don’t see the issue of transmission as really a problem… the problem I have seen is the adequacy of the network we have,” he stated.

Amupitan emphasized that logistics remain the backbone of any successful election, noting that operational lapses can significantly affect outcomes.

“Your election can be as good as your logistics. So, where there is logistics failure, you know that you are beginning to fail,” he said, admitting that some of the difficulties encountered were linked to human errors that are now being addressed.

Despite the acknowledged shortcomings, the INEC boss expressed confidence that the 2027 elections would reflect notable improvements and boost public trust in the electoral system.

“I want to assure you that the election of 2027 will be the best election that Nigerians will have… by the time you have a transparent election, and people begin to trust INEC and trust their leaders, then the country will move forward,” he added.