Nigerian singer and songwriter Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has found herself at the centre of controversy after old social media posts resurfaced, prompting calls for an investigation into her mother’s daycare.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) confirmed on 24 February 2026 that it is probing credible reports of child sexual abuse in daycare settings across Nigeria, widely understood to relate to Simi’s mother’s daycare. The agency urged anyone with evidence or first-hand experience to come forward confidentially.
The controversy began when tweets from 2012–2013, when Simi was helping out at the daycare while pursuing her music career, were shared online. Some of the posts included lighthearted remarks about young children, which critics interpreted as inappropriate. A former attendee of the daycare also alleged misconduct during his time there, further fuelling public concern.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn response, Simi deactivated her Instagram account but addressed the issue on X (formerly Twitter), insisting her posts were innocent jokes from her pre-fame days. She explained that the tweets reflected casual observations of children at the daycare.
“Kids can be mischievous. If a child did something I found funny, I tweeted about it. Kids are cute and lovable. I want to hug, kiss and cuddle them. Nothing I tweeted was from perversion,” Simi wrote.
She added that some of the posts had been removed due to the sensitivity of the situation and warned against twisting her words to fit “false narratives.”
The singer also reaffirmed her longstanding position against sexual violence. “I have always spoken against rape and sexual assault, even before you knew I existed. I said stop raping women. I stand by it,” she said.
READ ALSO:
Nigerian Music Stars Adekunle Gold, Simi Welcome Twin Babies
The renewed attention comes shortly after Simi joined conversations condemning rape and sexual violence online. Screenshots of her old posts, including tweets about interactions with children at the daycare, circulated widely, sparking heated debate.
While no arrests or formal charges have been reported, the incident has prompted broader scrutiny of daycares in Nigeria and reignited discussion about the public’s interpretation of past online behaviour.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
