The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a TikTok user, known as Mirabel, after an investigation found her viral claims of sexual assault were fabricated.
Prime Business Africa had reported the Mirabel rape allegation when she was called upon by the Lagos State Government to seek support after her account of the incident went viral on social media.
The police said Mirabel’s allegations have now become a criminal matter as she provided false information, attempting to mislead investigators.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe claims first gained traction earlier this week when the content creator posted emotional videos alleging she had been attacked by an unidentified man. The posts, which included images suggesting injuries, sparked outrage online and prompted calls for justice.
Police said the state’s commissioner ordered an immediate investigation, and officers initially treated the case as a serious violent crime. The police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, had earlier confirmed that the woman was taken for medical attention.
However, investigators later said they found inconsistencies in her account. According to police sources, neighbours reported hearing no disturbance at the time of the alleged incident, while phone records did not support the timeline she provided.
Authorities also said she declined to undergo full medical and forensic examinations despite offers of support.
Police say these findings led to her arrest on suspicion of wasting resources and attempting to obstruct justice. They added that inquiries are continuing, including whether others may have been involved.
The case has triggered mixed reactions online, with some people calling for prosecution, while others have raised concerns about the impact such cases may have on genuine victims of sexual violence.
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In a statement, police warned that false allegations could undermine real cases and said anyone found spreading misinformation or staging incidents would face legal consequences.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
