- Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) clarifies legal position on singer Simi’s resurfaced 2012 tweets.
- Executive Secretary Lola Vivour-Adeniyi states that preliminary reviews are ongoing but require survivor cooperation for formal action.
- Simi defends her record, maintaining that the controversial posts were taken out of context and misconstrued by critics.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has officially addressed the viral controversy surrounding popular Nigerian singer, Simi, stating that any potential prosecution is impossible without tangible evidence or testimonies from alleged victims.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the agency’s stance comes amidst a heated social media storm triggered by the resurfacing of tweets from 2012, in which the singer made comments regarding her interactions with toddlers at her mother’s daycare center.
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While the posts have ignited a wave of public scrutiny and accusations of hypocrisy, the state government has emphasized that due process must prevail over internet outrage.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Morning Brief” on Thursday, February 26, the Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, explained that the agency has a statutory mandate to look into such matters when they reach the public domain.
“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,” Vivour-Adeniyi stated.
However, she was quick to point out the significant legal hurdles involved in a case based on decade-old social media posts without a complainant.
The DSVA boss underscored that the judicial system requires more than just screenshots to build a criminal case, particularly concerning sensitive allegations of misconduct involving minors.
She noted that it would be “very difficult” to pursue the matter further if no survivor steps forward to provide a formal statement or cooperate with authorities.
To this end, Vivour-Adeniyi encouraged anyone who might have been affected during that period to approach the agency to begin the documentation process, noting that until a victim is identified, the investigation remains in a preliminary stage with no clear path to prosecution.
In response to the growing backlash, Simi has maintained a firm defense of her character and past actions.
The “Duduke” crooner clarified that the tweets in question were innocent, lighthearted observations made when she was 23 years old and assisting her mother at the daycare while navigating the early stages of her music career.
She criticized those she believes are intentionally misinterpreting her words to paint her in a negative light, especially following her recent vocal advocacy against sexual assault and rape.
Simi emphasized that her stance against gender-based violence is a core part of her identity rather than a public relations facade.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate in Nigeria regarding “cancel culture” and the legal weight of historical social media activity.
While some critics argue that the resurfaced tweets warrant a deeper look into the singer’s past, many fans and legal experts have pointed out that the lack of any actual reported incidents over the last 14 years supports Simi’s claim of innocence.
For now, the Lagos State Government remains in a “watch and wait” position, as the DSVA maintains that without a primary witness or survivor, the case remains a matter of public opinion rather than a criminal proceeding.
