Singer Simi sparks debate after calling for death penalty for rapists

Afrobeats singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has ignited controversy after advocating for capital punishment for rapists in Nigeria.

Reacting on Tuesday night via X (formerly Twitter), the singer expressed frustration over what she described as a growing sexual assault crisis in the country, noting multiple reports of rape in recent weeks.

“I’m sickkk of this. Stop raping women. They need to castrate rapists and burn them,” Simi wrote in a passionate post, appealing to both citizens and authorities to take stronger action against sexual violence.

Her remarks, calling for extreme penalties against rapists, quickly sparked debate online. Some argued that if such measures were considered, similar punishment should be extended to false rape accusers. Simi clarified that her advocacy was solely for the protection of rape victims, not for individuals falsely accusing others.

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Shutting down criticism from some male fans, the singer explained that almost every woman she knows had experienced sexual assault at some point in their lives. She emphasized that addressing sexual violence should not be silenced due to concerns over false accusations.

“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.

Simi also called on men to hold their peers accountable, suggesting that a culture of silence and inaction has created an environment that enables rapists.

Her post has prompted intense discussion on social media, with supporters praising her bold stance for women’s safety, while critics debate the appropriateness of extreme punitive measures.