The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has said it cannot proceed with formal prosecution against singer Simi over resurfaced 2012 tweets without testimony or cooperation from alleged victims.
The agency’s position comes amid renewed public scrutiny following the circulation of old tweets in which the singer referenced interactions with toddlers at her mother’s daycare. The controversy intensified after Simi recently spoke out against rape, prompting critics to accuse her of hypocrisy.
Speaking during an appearance on Morning Brief on Channels Television, the DSVA Executive Secretary, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the agency is obligated to take initial steps in response to public concerns.
“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.
However, Vivour-Adeniyi stressed that legal and procedural limitations make prosecution unlikely without direct survivor involvement.
“The truth of the matter is that it’s going to be very difficult to prosecute the lady without a survivor being present,” she explained.
She urged any potential victim of sexual abuse, assault, or defilement to come forward to enable proper documentation and investigation.
“A victim of whatever it is 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.
In response to the backlash, Simi clarified that the tweets were innocent and had been misinterpreted. She noted that she was 23 years old at the time and assisting at her mother’s daycare while building her music career.
Reaffirming her long-standing advocacy against sexual violence, she wrote:
“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.”
While the DSVA has initiated a preliminary review, officials maintain that without concrete evidence or survivor testimony, the matter may not progress beyond initial inquiries.