The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a mother from Edo State is accused of sexually exploiting her three-year-old son on a livestream, allegedly to receive virtual gifts from viewers.
The agency made this known in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday.
NAPTIP, in the statement, described the allegation as a serious case of child sexual abuse and exploitation, noting that it is punishable under Nigeria’s anti-trafficking laws.
The development follows the circulation of a video online by child rights advocate Justina Lawrence, who alerted authorities to the disturbing content allegedly recorded across several livestream sessions.
Lawrence called for immediate action to safeguard the child and ensure that all those found responsible are brought to justice.
“This is not content creation; this is abuse happening in real time. A three-year-old child is being exposed to explicit acts on a livestreaming app where viewers send gifts.
This is deeply troubling and demands immediate action from the appropriate authorities to protect the child and prevent further harm,” Lawrence said.
She also called on government representatives and pertinent organizations to take immediate action.
“I am calling on the Edo State Government and the Office of the First Lady to urgently intervene in this matter.
The child’s safety must be prioritised, and those responsible must be investigated and prosecuted according to the law,” she added.
In response to the situation, NAPTIP stated that the case is being treated as a high-priority matter in line with the provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.
“NAPTIP’s Cybersecurity Response Team is actively investigating this reported case of child sexual abuse and exploitation involving a minor on a live-streaming platform.
We are treating it as a matter of urgent priority under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, including provisions on child sexual exploitation and online abuse.
Evidence is being secured for potential prosecution of all perpetrators. The safety and protection of the child remain paramount. Members of the public are encouraged to report similar incidents through our official channels,” the agency stated.
