The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has commenced a fresh probe into allegations that a woman in Edo State subjected her three-year-old son to abuse during livestream sessions in exchange for gifts from online viewers.
The agency made this known in a statement shared on its official X handle on Monday, condemning the incident as a grave violation involving child exploitation, which is punishable under Nigeria’s anti-trafficking laws.
The case gained attention after a child rights advocate, Justina Lawrence, circulated a video online, alerting authorities to the alleged acts said to have occurred repeatedly during live broadcasts.
Lawrence, who described the content as disturbing, urged relevant authorities to act swiftly to protect the minor and ensure justice is served.
She maintained that the situation amounted to real-time abuse rather than entertainment, noting that the child was allegedly exposed to inappropriate conduct on a platform where viewers offered gifts.
She also called on the Edo State Government and the Office of the First Lady to urgently step in, stressing the need to prioritise the child’s safety and wellbeing.
In its response, NAPTIP disclosed that its Cybersecurity Response Team had begun a comprehensive investigation into the matter, classifying it as a high-priority case under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.
The agency said efforts were ongoing to gather evidence that could support prosecution, adding that safeguarding the child remains its foremost concern.
It further urged Nigerians to report similar cases through appropriate channels, reaffirming its dedication to tackling child abuse, exploitation and trafficking across the country.
The incident has since sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and demanding immediate intervention to rescue the child and bring those responsible to book.
While some users praised NAPTIP for its swift response, others called for tighter regulations on livestreaming platforms to curb the exploitation of minors.
Experts in child protection have also warned that the increasing drive to monetise online content could create opportunities for abuse, especially involving vulnerable children, if not properly checked.
