Simi tweets: Prosecution difficult without survivor – Lagos agency

By Goli Innocent

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has said it may commence a preliminary investigation into the controversy surrounding resurfaced tweets linked to singer Simi, but warned that prosecution would be difficult without a survivor coming forward.

Speaking on Channels Television Morning Brief, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, executive secretary of the agency, said the matter cannot be ignored.

“For the Simi case, we cannot act like we have not seen this case. And so we have a duty to at least commence preliminary investigation,” she said.

Vivour-Adeniyi, however, stressed that any criminal prosecution would depend on the availability of a complainant. “Is there any survival? Because the truth of the matter is that it’s going to be very difficult to prosecute the lady without a survivor being present, a victim of whatever it is,” she stated.

She added that the nature of the alleged offence would also determine the direction of the case. “Is it sexual abuse? Is it defilement? So it’s to start the process,” she said.

The DSVA boss urged anyone who may have been affected to formally report to the authorities. “Encourage anybody who has, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Simi to please come forward and ensure that their statement is taken. And then we know where we’re going to end on the matter,” she said.

Her remarks come amid intense debate on social media following the resurfacing of old posts attributed to the singer, with some users demanding an official probe while others questioned the legal basis for such action in the absence of a complainant.

The agency’s position underscores the legal requirement for a victim’s testimony in sexual offence cases, signalling that while preliminary steps may begin, the matter’s progression will ultimately depend on whether an alleged survivor presents a formal statement.