Nigerian Afrobeats singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has sparked controversy after calling for capital punishment for rapists.
New Daily Prime reports that Nigeria has recently witnessed a surge in sexual assault reports, with multiple rape cases emerging from different parts of the country.
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Reacting on Tuesday night, Simi took to X to express her frustration and demand stricter measures against perpetrators. She wrote: “I’m sickkk of this. Stop raping women. They need to castrate rapists and burn them.”
Her post ignited debate online, with some suggesting that similar harsh punishment should be applied to false rape accusers. Simi clarified that her comments were specifically in support of survivors of sexual assault, not false accusers, further fuelling the discussion.
Addressing backlash from some male fans, the singer emphasised that her stance stems from personal experience, noting that nearly all the women she knows have faced sexual assault at some point in their lives.
She added: “How many of your friends have actually assaulted women as vibes?? 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.”
Simi also called on men to hold each other accountable, arguing that failure to do so fosters an environment that enables rapists.
Her comments have reignited conversations about sexual violence in Nigeria and the measures needed to protect women and punish offenders.
