The Lagos State Government has stated that it cannot initiate criminal proceedings against popular singer Simi over recent allegations circulating online, as no formal complaint has been submitted by any alleged victim.
The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, made this known 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 hard to move ahead with prosecution.
The controversy began after old posts linked to Simi resurfaced on social media.
Users claimed the posts, reportedly made in 2012, contained statements about children at her mother’s daycare.
The issue gained attention after the singer spoke about sexual assault concerns in Nigeria following rape claims made by TikToker Mirabel.
Although Mirabel later admitted that her allegation was false, some social media users shifted focus to Simi’s past posts.
Some of the resurfaced messages allegedly referred to a young child expressing affection toward her in a way that many online users considered inappropriate.
This led to calls for authorities to investigate the matter.
Simi later addressed the issue, stating that she made the posts when she was 23 years old while helping out at her mother’s daycare centre.
Despite her explanation, pressure continued online for government agencies to step in.
In response to public reactions, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons announced on its Instagram page that it is ready to examine any credible report brought before it.
The agency asked anyone with direct knowledge, evidence, or personal experience related to the matter to come forward.
Vivour-Adeniyi also advised the Ogun State Government to carry out a preliminary check into the claims since the alleged incidents were said to have occurred there.
She explained that once claims of abuse or misconduct appear in the public space, authorities have a duty to look into them.
However, she maintained that legal action cannot begin without proper documentation and a formal statement from someone directly affected.
According to her, reporting such matters officially is the first step toward deciding what action can be taken.
She said: “As for the Simi case, we cannot pretend that we have not 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.”
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