The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has said it cannot proceed with any formal case involving singer Simi in the absence of evidence or testimony from alleged victims.
The agency’s position follows the resurfacing of Simi’s 2012 tweets, which have drawn public scrutiny over comments referencing interactions with toddlers at her mother’s daycare.
Speaking on Morning Brief on Channels Television, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the agency has a responsibility to initiate a preliminary review of the matter.
“As for the Simi case, we cannot act like we have not seen these things. We have a duty to at least commence a preliminary investigation,” she said.
Vivour-Adeniyi, however, highlighted the legal and procedural hurdles involved in pursuing prosecution without cooperation from alleged survivors.
“The truth of the matter is that it’s going to be very difficult to prosecute the lady without a survivor being present,” she stated.
She encouraged anyone who may have been affected to come forward.
“A victim of whatever it is — sexual abuse, sexual assault, or defilement — should step forward. This is to start the process, document, and ensure that their statement is taken. Then we will know where we are going on the matter,” she added.
The controversy intensified after Simi spoke out publicly against rape, prompting critics to accuse her of hypocrisy based on the resurfaced tweets.
In response, Simi clarified that the posts were innocent and had been misinterpreted. She explained that she was 23 at the time and helping at her mother’s daycare while pursuing her music career.
She also reaffirmed her long-standing stance against sexual violence.
“I have always spoken against rape and sexual assault, even before you knew I existed. It’s not a costume I’m wearing, it’s who I am,” she wrote.
