Simi Sparks Outrage, Demands Harsh Punishment for Rapists in Nigeria

Afrobeats singer Simisola Kosoko, professionally known as Simi, has ignited a heated debate after calling for capital punishment for rapists in Nigeria, a country currently grappling with a surge in sexual assault cases.

Singer Demands Castration and Death for Sexual Offenders

On Tuesday night, Simi took to X (formerly Twitter), expressing her frustration over the prevalence of sexual assault. She wrote:

“I’m sickkk of this. Stop raping women. They need to castrate rapists and burn them.”

Her post triggered a wider conversation on social media, with some critics arguing that those falsely accusing individuals of rape should also face severe consequences.

Advocating for Victims, Not False Accusations

Simi clarified that her comments were intended to support survivors of sexual assault, not individuals accused falsely. She emphasized that sexual violence affects nearly all women she knows, and silencing advocacy because of rare false accusations is unjust.

“Women are terrified to go out. Women in their homes are not safe either. Ask your sisters. Ask your female friends and your girlfriends. Ask your wives. We’re not all crazy. Stop raping women,” she added.

The singer further urged men to hold their peers accountable, highlighting that societal tolerance and lack of action contribute to the persistence of sexual violence.

Nation in Sexual Assault Crisis

Her statements come amid heightened awareness of sexual assault in Nigeria, with multiple cases reported across the country in recent weeks. The discussion sparked by Simi’s post has reignited debates about legal reforms, social accountability, and justice for survivors.