Mirabel's Sexual Assault Claims Unfounded, Ogun AG Says No Prosecution

The Ogun State Ministry of Justice announced on Wednesday that the widely publicized sexual assault allegations made by TikTok user Miss Nsikak Abigail Emem, known as Mirabel, in February, were found to be without merit and deliberately fabricated. Consequently, the ministry stated that there were no grounds for prosecution in the case. Furthermore, the authorities revealed that Mirabel has shown significant improvement in her rehabilitation process and is currently preparing for examinations to advance her academic pursuits.

Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, issued a statement on Wednesday, four months after the initial incident, confirming the findings. He stated that “investigations by relevant authorities, as well as Mirabel’s own admissions, established that the rape allegation was false and deliberately fabricated." The statement further clarified that “there was consequently no offender to be apprehended or prosecuted in connection with the claim, and no threat to public safety arising from the narrative initially presented.”

Ogungbade elaborated that “following a comprehensive review of the circumstances, it was concluded that the interest of justice would be better served through psycho-social rehabilitation rather than prosecution.” As a result, Mirabel was placed under the care of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to receive rehabilitative support. The Attorney General added, “The Ministry of Justice has been receiving periodic reports on her progress, and the feedback indicates that she has responded positively to rehabilitation. She is currently preparing for examinations as part of efforts to further her academic pursuits.”

It can be recalled that Mirabel, through viral social media posts, had claimed that unidentified individuals invaded her residence in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area of the state, and sexually assaulted her. These posts ignited widespread public indignation, prompting comments from celebrities and leading to various donations. However, her claims soon faced intense online scrutiny due to alleged inconsistencies, including a lack of supporting phone records and no physical evidence of a forced entry at the reported scene. Subsequently, she voluntarily presented herself at a police station concerning her widely publicized allegations.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, corroborated that Mirabel willingly visited the station. Babaseyi noted that after undergoing a thorough medical examination, she was released into the custody of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for continued care.

In a separate development, the Ministry of Justice also provided an update on the alleged gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in the Ibogun area of the state, indicating substantial progress in apprehending the culprits. The Commissioner recounted that four men reportedly took turns sexually assaulting the teenager. One suspect, Segun Samuel, was arrested shortly after the incident, while the others absconded. Ogungbade disclosed that ongoing collaboration between the ministry and the police led to the recent arrest of Qudus Abiola Yekini, identified as the alleged ringleader of the attack.

While two other suspects remain at large, the ministry hailed Yekini's arrest as a significant breakthrough, reaffirming the government’s resolve to ensure all involved individuals are apprehended and brought to justice. The ministry commended the Ogun State Police Command for its diligent efforts in securing the arrest, specifically recognizing CP Bode Ojajuni, DCP Bolanle Murtala, DCP Gbenga Adeoye, ACP Seyi Olugboji Williams (Area Commander, Ifo), CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen (DPO Ifo), CSP Sasa Adeniyi (DPO Ibogun), and SP Bunmi Asogbon (Officer-in-Charge of Gender Affairs).

The statement emphasized that this arrest highlights the Ogun State Government’s unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence and aims to reassure the public that efforts are continuing to capture the remaining suspects. The government further reiterated its strong condemnation of all criminal acts, including violent assaults on vulnerable persons and the propagation of false allegations. Residents were urged to desist from such actions, with a stern warning that offenders would face legal accountability.