Nigerian singer Simi has ignited widespread debate after making a forceful statement advocating severe punishment for rapists, a remark that has triggered intense reactions across social media and renewed conversations about sexual violence in Nigeria.
The Afrobeats star, whose real name is Simisola Kosoko, voiced her frustration in a post on X on Tuesday night, urging decisive action against sexual assault. In the strongly worded message, she expressed anger over repeated reports of rape incidents and called for drastic measures to deter offenders.
Her comments come amid growing public concern about sexual violence in Nigeria, where recent weeks have seen multiple allegations of rape reported in different parts of the country. Advocacy groups and concerned citizens have increasingly called for stronger legal enforcement and broader societal awareness.
However, the singer’s suggestion of harsh capital punishment quickly sparked controversy. While some supporters applauded her outspoken stance and viewed it as an expression of frustration over persistent gender-based violence, critics argued that such extreme penalties could raise legal and ethical concerns. Others also pointed to the issue of false accusations, suggesting that any discussion of punishment should consider all possible scenarios.
Responding to the criticism, Simi clarified that her focus was on supporting victims of sexual assault rather than engaging debates about false accusations. She stressed that many women live with fear due to the prevalence of harassment and assault, adding that conversations about sexual violence should not be silenced because of isolated cases of false reporting.
The singer further explained that her views stem from personal observations, stating that many women she knows have experienced some form of sexual assault. She argued that the scale of the issue requires urgent societal attention and more robust protective measures.
The controversy continues to generate discussion across online platforms, reflecting broader tensions around justice, gender safety, and how best to address sexual violence a subject that remains deeply sensitive yet increasingly prominent in public discourse.
