Popular Afrobeats singer, Simi, has stirred strong reactions on social media after calling for rapists to face extreme punishment, including castration and death.
The singer, whose real name is Simisola Kosoko, made the comments in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night while reacting to recent reports of sexual assault across Nigeria.
“I’m sickkk of this. Stop raping women. They need to castrate rapists and burn them,” she wrote in a strongly worded message.
Her statement quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians. While some supported her anger and frustration over rising cases of sexual violence, others criticised her call for capital punishment.
Simi’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is witnessing renewed public attention on sexual assault cases. In recent weeks, multiple allegations of rape and abuse have been reported in different parts of the country, sparking protests and heated discussions online.
Women’s rights groups say sexual violence remains a major problem in Nigeria. Many cases, they argue, go unreported due to fear of stigma, victim-blaming, and lack of trust in the justice system.
According to activists, survivors often face pressure from family members and society to remain silent. Some also struggle with long court processes and difficulty in securing convictions.
Simi, known for speaking openly about social issues, said she was speaking up because almost every woman she knows has experienced some form of sexual assault.
Shunning the backlash from some male followers, she insisted that her message was in support of victims.
“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,” she wrote.
Nigeria currently punishes rape under several laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Criminal Code. In some states, rape can attract life imprisonment. However, enforcement and prosecution remain key challenges.
While some Nigerians agreed with Simi that tougher punishment could deter offenders, legal experts say any punishment must follow due process and constitutional provisions.
Human rights lawyers note that Nigeria does not practise castration or burning as punishment under its laws. They also stress that justice must be carried out within the legal system.
However, supporters of Simi argue that her comments reflect deep frustration with the increasing reports of rape and the slow pace of justice.
“This is not about promoting violence,” a women’s rights advocate in Lagos said. “It is about the anger and pain many women feel when cases keep happening without strong consequences.”
Beyond calling for harsh punishment, Simi also urged men to hold other men accountable. She argued that some men create an enabling environment for abuse by failing to challenge harmful behaviour among their peers.
She questioned why society focuses heavily on false accusations while ignoring the larger number of genuine victims.
“It isn’t right to stop people from speaking against sexual assault just because of false rape accusers,” she suggested.
Her comments have reignited discussions about male responsibility in preventing sexual violence. Some commentators say men must actively speak out against rape jokes, harassment, and harmful attitudes that normalise abuse.
Others, however, believe that generalizing men as enablers is unfair and may create division instead of unity in the fight against sexual violence.
Simi is one of Nigeria’s most respected female artists. She rose to fame with hit songs such as “Jamb Question” and “Duduke.” Over the years, she has built a reputation not only as a singer but also as a voice for social issues.
She is married to fellow singer Adekunle Gold and is often vocal about women’s rights, family life, and social justice matters.
Her latest comments have once again placed her at the centre of public debate, with thousands of Nigerians sharing opinions online.
The renewed attention on rape cases has also led to fresh calls for reforms in Nigeria’s justice system. Advocacy groups are demanding faster investigations, better support for survivors, and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
Some states have established sexual assault referral centres to provide medical care and counselling for victims. However, experts say more needs to be done to ensure awareness and access to these services, especially in rural areas.
There are also calls for better education on consent and respect, starting from schools and community groups. Many activists believe prevention through awareness is just as important as punishment.
On social media, reactions to Simi’s post remain divided. Some users praised her courage for speaking out boldly, while others criticised her language as too extreme.
Despite the controversy, many agree on one point: sexual violence is a serious problem that requires urgent attention.
As the debate continues, Simi has not withdrawn her comments. Instead, her post has added to the growing conversation about how Nigeria should address rape and protect women.
For many Nigerians, the issue goes beyond one celebrity’s statement. It reflects a broader concern about safety, justice, and accountability in society.
While opinions differ on the appropriate punishment for offenders, there is increasing agreement that stronger action is needed to reduce sexual violence and support survivors.
