In the absence of proof or testimony from purported victims, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has declared that it cannot move forward with any case involving singer Simi.
The agency’s stance came after Simi’s 2012 tweets surfaced, garnering public attention due to remarks about her interactions with toddlers at her mother’s creche.
Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, the executive secretary of DSVA, stated on Channels Television’s Morning Brief that the agency has an obligation to start a preliminary investigation into the issue.
Regarding the Simi case, we can’t pretend that we haven’t witnessed these things. It is our responsibility to at least start a preliminary investigation,” she stated.
However, Vivour-Adeniyi emphasised the procedural and legal difficulties of pursuing any official action without the cooperation or statements of purported survivors.
“It’s going to be extremely difficult to prosecute the lady without a survivor being present,” she said.
“A victim of whatever it is, sexual abuse, sexual assault, or defilement, should step forward,” said Vivour-Adeniyi, urging anyone who might have been impacted to come forward. This is to initiate the procedure, record, and guarantee that their statement is obtained. Then we’ll know where we’re headed with this,” she continued.
After Simi spoke out against rape, her tweets reappeared, and her detractors accused her of being hypocritical.
Simi, who was 23 at the time and working at her mother’s creche while pursuing her musical career, has since clarified that the tweets were harmless and misunderstood.
“Even before you knew I existed, I have always spoken against rape and sexual assault,” she wrote, highlighting her long-standing position against sexual violence. It’s who I am, not a costume I’m wearing.
