Simi calls for death penalty for rapists, igniting intense debate online as Nigerians clash over justice and false accusations

Afrobeats singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, on Tuesday night called for capital punishment for rapists, igniting a fierce nationwide debate over justice and accountability amid rising sexual assault allegations in Nigeria.

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The outspoken singer made the remarks in a post on X, expressing frustration over what she described as a persistent crisis of sexual violence.

“I’m sickkk of this. Stop raping women. They need to castrate rapists and burn them,” Simi wrote, in a message that quickly went viral and divided opinion.

The intervention comes at a time when multiple rape allegations have been reported in different parts of the country in recent weeks, intensifying public concern over women’s safety.

While many supporters praised Simi for amplifying the voices of victims, critics argued that her call for capital punishment risked overlooking cases of false accusations.

Some social media users contended that if the death penalty were to apply, it should also extend to proven false accusers.

Simi, however, maintained that her focus was squarely on victims of sexual assault.

The singer said her comments were driven by lived realities shared by women around her.

Shunning the backlash, particularly from some male followers, Simi argued that nearly every woman she knows has experienced sexual assault at some point in her life.

She questioned why conversations about rape are often deflected by discussions about false claims.

“How many of your friends have actually assaulted women as vibes?” Simi wrote.

“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 urged men to hold one another accountable, asserting that silence and complicity create an enabling environment for abuse.

The controversy has since evolved into a broader conversation about justice reform, victim protection and the appropriate legal consequences for sexual offences in Nigeria.

Legal experts note that while some states prescribe severe penalties for rape, implementation and prosecution remain significant challenges.

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For now, Simi calls for death penalty for rapists continues to reverberate across social media, reflecting both the depth of public anger and the complexity of balancing justice with due process.