The federal government has announced it will investigate controversial social-media posts attributed to Nigerian singer Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, after old tweets from more than a decade ago resurfaced online and fueled public outcry.
The flurry of attention centers on a series of posts believed to have been shared in 2012 during Simi’s early days on social media, when she was reportedly helping at her mother’s daycare while trying to build her music career. Screenshots of the posts began circulating widely this week, prompting demands from some Nigerians that authorities examine their content more closely.
NAPTIP Steps In
In response to the rising controversy, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)said it is prepared to investigate credible reports of misconduct in daycare settings that have been linked to the singer’s earlier social-media activity. In a statement released on Tuesday, the agency urged anyone with “direct knowledge” or evidence related to the matter to come forward confidentially.
“Following recent public discussions and concerns raised regarding alleged incidents of child sexual abuse/misconduct in daycare settings in Nigeria, we are committed to thoroughly investigating credible reports,” NAPTIP said, stressing the need for verifiable information before any legal action can be taken.
Simi Breaks Silence
Simi has addressed the backlash directly through her social-media channels, asserting that the tweets were innocent reflections of her life at the time and not indicative of any wrongdoing. She noted that in 2012 she was 23 years old and “definitely not a child,” adding that the posts were casual commentary on everyday experiences with children at the daycare rather than anything inappropriate.
“Nothing I tweeted was from perversion,” she wrote, adding that some of the old tweets have been taken down by her team due to how sensitive the situation has become for her family. Simi also reiterated her long-standing stance against sexual violence, saying she has consistently spoken out against rape and sexual assault long before gaining public recognition.
Wider Debate on Social Media
The controversy has ignited intense debate across social platforms. Some critics argue that the resurfaced tweets reveal troubling messages, including a 2012 post about a four-year-old boy that many users described as inappropriate when taken out of context. Others have defended the singer, saying the criticism distracts from important conversations about sexual violence and online bullying.
Prominent Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon took to social media to support Simi’s anti-rape message, arguing that calls to end sexual violence should not be deflected with unrelated controversies.
What Happens Next?
NAPTIP’s involvement marks a significant escalation in the situation, but the agency has made clear that its probe will focus on verified evidence of misconduct. As the investigation begins, attention is likely to remain on the singer’s past posts and the broader dialogue they have ignited about accountability, context and how public figures are judged for historical online activity.