Popular Nigerian singer and songwriter Simi has ignited a nationwide conversation on sexual violence, urging men to hold one another accountable and stop creating “safe spaces” for abusive behaviour.
In a strongly worded message shared on her official X account, the artist expressed frustration over what she described as the widespread silencing of survivors. She argued that dismissing conversations about sexual assault because “some people lie” shifts focus away from the real and pervasive threat women face daily.
“Almost every woman I know personally has been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives,” she wrote, adding that the fear women experience is not exaggerated or imagined.
While acknowledging that false accusations should carry consequences, Simi made clear that her primary concern was the prevalence of sexual violence and the reluctance of some men to confront it within their circles.
“Men should hold other men accountable,” she stated, criticising what she described as a culture where friends excuse or ignore harmful behaviour under the guise of “I’m not like that.”
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In a deeply personal reflection, the singer revealed that she carries pepper spray when walking alone or with her daughter — a precaution she says underscores the constant vigilance many women feel compelled to maintain.
Her comments highlight a broader societal issue in Nigeria and beyond, where conversations about sexual assault often trigger polarised debates about false accusations, due process and gender relations.
Advocates have long argued that while false reporting exists, it represents a small fraction of overall cases and should not overshadow the experiences of survivors.
Simi’s remarks have drawn both support and criticism online, reflecting the sensitivity of the subject. Supporters praised her for amplifying the voices of women who feel unsafe, while critics questioned aspects of her framing.
Nevertheless, her intervention has once again placed the spotlight on the urgent need for stronger accountability mechanisms, cultural change and safe reporting channels for victims of sexual violence.
By lending her voice to the issue, Simi joins a growing list of public figures using their platforms to challenge silence and call for collective responsibility in addressing gender-based violence.