Legal Limbo: Lagos Authorities Reveal Why Simi Cannot Be Charged

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, made this clarification during an appearance on Morning Brief on Channels Television on Thursday.

She explained that without a survivor or direct complainant coming forward, it would be difficult to move forward with prosecution.

The controversy arose after old social media posts attributed to Simi resurfaced. Users claimed the posts, reportedly made in 2012, included statements regarding children at her mother’s daycare centre.

Attention to the posts intensified after the singer spoke on sexual assault issues in Nigeria following rape claims by TikToker Mirabel. Although Mirabel later admitted that her allegation was false, some social media users turned their focus to Simi’s past posts.

Some of the resurfaced messages allegedly referenced a young child showing affection toward her in a way many online users deemed inappropriate, prompting calls for authorities to investigate.

Simi later addressed the issue, explaining that she had made the posts at age 23 while assisting at her mother’s daycare. Despite her explanation, public pressure continued for government agencies to intervene.

In response, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons announced on its Instagram page that it is ready to examine any credible reports. The agency urged anyone with direct knowledge, evidence, or personal experience related to the matter to come forward.

Vivour-Adeniyi also recommended that the Ogun State Government conduct a preliminary review of the claims, since the alleged incidents were said to have occurred there. She emphasized that authorities have a duty to investigate public allegations of abuse or misconduct.

However, she maintained that legal action cannot proceed without proper documentation and a formal statement from someone directly affected. Reporting such matters officially, she said, is the first step in determining appropriate action.

She stated:
“As for the Simi case, we cannot pretend that we haven’t seen these reports. We have a duty to at least begin a preliminary investigation. The truth is that it will be very difficult to prosecute without a survivor being present.”