By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has stated that it cannot proceed with any case involving singer Simi in the absence of evidence or testimony from alleged victims.
The agency’s position followed the resurfacing of Simi’s 2012 tweets, which have drawn public attention 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, underscored the legal and procedural challenges of pursuing any formal action without statements or 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.
Vivour-Adeniyi encouraged anyone who may have been affected to come forward, stating, “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.
Simi’s tweets resurfaced after Simi spoke out against rape, with critics accusing her of hypocrisy.
Simi has since clarified that the tweets were innocent and misinterpreted, stating she was 23 at the time and helping at her mother’s daycare while pursuing music.
She emphasised her long-standing stance against sexual violence, writing, “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.”