The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has referred the controversy surrounding resurfaced tweets allegedly linked to singer Simi to the Commissioner of Police for preliminary investigation.
The agency’s Executive Secretary, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday. She said the agency could not ignore the allegations given the public concern they have generated.
The controversy began after Simi made social media comments condemning rape and calling for stricter consequences for offenders, including castration. She also stated that nearly every woman she knows has experienced sexual assault. Her remarks quickly gained traction online.
Soon after, screenshots of old tweets said to date back to 2012 and 2013 resurfaced. Some of the posts referenced children at her mother’s daycare, including comments that critics described as inappropriate. The circulation of the screenshots triggered intense debate on social media, with some users accusing the singer of misconduct while others argued that the posts were taken out of context.
Responding to the backlash, Simi said the tweets reflected her youthful years and her experiences assisting at her mother’s daycare. She denied any improper intent, maintaining that the messages were not written from a place of perversion and had been misinterpreted.
Vivour-Adeniyi said the agency had been monitoring the situation, including claims that some of the tweets may have been altered. However, she noted that concerns about possible safeguarding and child protection issues, particularly allegations tied to a creche reportedly managed by Simi’s mother, warranted further scrutiny.
According to her, the matter has now been escalated to the Commissioner of Police to conduct a preliminary inquiry. She added that Lagos State’s safeguarding taskforce, responsible for implementing child protection and safeguarding policies, has also been briefed and that initial investigations are underway.
Vivour-Adeniyi emphasised that while the agency has a duty to initiate preliminary processes, any prosecution would depend on the presence of a complainant. She urged anyone who may have been affected to come forward and provide statements to assist investigators in determining the next course of action.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
