By Peter Omopo
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is facing mounting public scrutiny over allegations of selective enforcement in its handling of high-profile child molestation claims involving singers Simi and Speed Darlington.
The controversy follows renewed online petitions and debates concerning resurfaced social media posts attributed to Simi, as well as comparisons to NAPTIP’s previous declaration of Speed Darlington as wanted in 2025 over statements he made during a live Instagram session that were widely interpreted as self-incriminating.
Allegations and Public Reaction
The current uproar stems from a viral video shared by a young woman alleging rape and presenting what she described as evidence of stalking messages from her alleged attacker. Simi became involved in the online debate after defending the alleged victim and criticising calls for the prosecution of false rape accusers.
Amid the heated exchanges, critics resurfaced posts from 2012 in which Simi recounted experiences assisting at her mother’s daycare. Some social media users interpreted the old tweets as suggestive of misconduct involving minors, prompting petitions urging NAPTIP to investigate the singer for alleged child molestation.
While the agency recently issued a public statement reaffirming its commitment to investigating all credible claims of child sexual abuse, it stopped short of naming any individual.
“We take all reports of child sexual abuse/misconduct seriously and are committed to investigating every credible claim. If you have factual information, evidence, or were directly affected, please reach out confidentially via DM or email info@naptip.gov.ng,” the agency said.
The omission of specific names has fuelled allegations of institutional bias among some Nigerians who argue that the agency was more direct in its handling of Speed Darlington’s case.
Speed Darlington Responds
Reacting to the development, Speed Darlington drew parallels between the agency’s current approach and how his own case was handled last year. He maintained that he was swiftly declared wanted following public petitions and his own controversial remarks made during a live broadcast.
In a series of posts, the rapper questioned whether gender played a role in the differing responses.
“NAPTIP, is it because she is a woman?” he wrote, suggesting that crimes are often framed differently depending on the accused’s gender.
He further argued that while men are frequently labelled with terms such as “kingpin” or “cartel boss,” women accused of similar offences are treated with greater sympathy.
Claims of Double Standards
Several social media commentators have echoed claims of double standards. Some critics argue that NAPTIP’s earlier decision to publicly declare Speed Darlington wanted—largely on the basis of his own statements—set a precedent for swift, visible enforcement in high-profile cases.
They now question why similar urgency has not been demonstrated regarding the allegations linked to Simi.
Others, however, have defended the agency’s call for factual evidence, noting that due process requires thorough investigation before public accusations are made.
Ongoing Debate
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about gender, celebrity influence and the consistency of law enforcement in Nigeria. While some Nigerians commend NAPTIP for reiterating its openness to receiving credible information, others insist that transparency and equal treatment are essential to maintaining public trust.
As of press time, NAPTIP has not announced any formal charges against either artist, stating only that it remains committed to investigating all substantiated claims.
