SEXUAL ASSAULT: LAGOS WARNS AGAINST MISINFORMATION AS MIRABEL CASE RAISES CONCERNS OVER FALSE ALLEGATIONS
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has emphasised the need for thorough investigations in cases of alleged domestic and sexual violence, cautioning against misinformation while insisting that victims must not be silenced.
In a statement shared on its official platforms on Thursday, the agency noted that although emotions often run high in such matters, “thorough and professional investigation remains the foundation of justice,” stressing that “it protects survivors, safeguards the rights of the accused, and ensures that outcomes are based on facts, not speculation.”
The agency’s position follows recent developments involving a TikTok user, Mirabel (@mirab351), who had earlier alleged that she was raped in her apartment by a stranger—a claim that generated widespread outrage and sparked the hashtag #StopRapingWomen on X.
The agency had initially appealed to members of the public to help locate the survivor before later confirming that the incident occurred in Ogun State, placing it outside its jurisdiction. It subsequently forwarded all relevant information to authorities in Ogun State as part of interagency collaboration.
Providing an update on Thursday, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Mirabel voluntarily presented herself at the Ibafo Police Division on Wednesday, February 18, to file a formal report.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed in a post on X that after a preliminary assessment, she was transferred to the Ogijo Division — the appropriate jurisdiction — where officers determined she was not in a stable condition to provide further details.
According to the statement, “She was immediately taken for a comprehensive medical check-up, and her health is being closely monitored, as her well-being remains paramount. At no time was the victim arrested.”
Babaseyi added that the police are handling the matter professionally and urged the public to verify information through official channels before sharing it.
Meanwhile, social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who has been following the case, shared updates alleging that Mirabel later admitted to him that her rape claim was false and that she required rehabilitation.
In posts shared online on Thursday, Otse claimed she apologised to Nigerians, attributing her actions to personal struggles while pleading for forgiveness. He also disclosed that he had previously offered her financial assistance and support.
“Painful Mirabel has confessed that her friend introduced her to drugs, and it affected her brain. She needs rehab right now! She lied about the rape case.
“She says she used to have panic attacks and has pleaded for Nigerians to forgive her. It’s sad that an innocent young man could have gone to prison because of this.
“My tears, my 5k that I sent to her. Jesus Christ. Since VDM said we should forgive her, Nigerians, please let’s forgive,” VDM shared.
The developments have since generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users expressing concern that false allegations could undermine genuine cases of sexual violence, while others called for due process and careful handling of the matter.
Reiterating its stance, the Lagos agency maintained that justice requires “truth, evidence, and due process,” warning that “false claims and misinformation can damage public trust and make it harder for genuine survivors to be believed. At the same time, we must never create an environment that silences victims. Justice requires truth, evidence, and due process. Always.”
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