Nigerian Police Confirm Arrest Of X user Mirabel Over Alleged False Rape Alarm

 

The Nigerian Police have confirmed that a popular TikTok content creator known as Mirabel is now in custody following investigations that revealed her widely circulated claim of being raped was allegedly false.

The Ogun State Police Command made the development public on Friday, February 20, 2026, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who spoke to reporters including those from Peoples Gazette. The TikToker, whose real name is Abigail Nsuka and goes by the handle @mirab351 on the platform and also on X, had gone viral earlier this month after posting a distressing video detailing an alleged sexual assault in her apartment in the Ogijo area of Ogun State.

In her initial account shared around February 15 Mirabel described how an unidentified man allegedly forced his way into her home, assaulted her, and later sent mocking messages about the incident. The post sparked intense online outrage, with many users rallying under hashtags calling for justice and an end to violence against women. It prompted swift responses from authorities, including outreach efforts by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to locate and support her, as well as the transfer of related inquiries to specialized units.

However, the narrative shifted dramatically as police delved deeper. Mirabel reportedly presented herself voluntarily at the Ibafo Police Division earlier in the week to formalize her complaint. During the course of questioning and investigation, she is said to have admitted that the rape allegation was not true. As a result, she was taken into custody for providing what authorities describe as false information, wasting police resources, and potentially attempting to pervert the course of justice.

DSP Babaseyi emphasized that Mirabel had been receiving medical attention in a hospital initially reported as an Intensive Care Unit stay following the events. Senior officers, including the Divisional Police Officer from Ibafo, were present at the facility to monitor her condition. Once medically cleared for discharge, she was moved into formal custody. The police spokesperson stressed that earlier social media claims suggesting she had been arrested prematurely or mistreated were inaccurate; prior statements from the command had denied any immediate arrest while the probe was active.

This case has reignited debates about the serious implications of false reporting in sensitive matters like sexual violence. Authorities have repeatedly warned that while genuine victims must be supported without hesitation, fabricating such claims weakens trust in the system, stigmatizes real survivors, and diverts limited resources from actual crimes. Under Nigerian law, offenses such as giving false information to police or malicious prosecution can carry penalties, and the command indicated that Mirabel will face prosecution to serve as a deterrent.

The Ogun State Police described the incident as one of "national importance" due to its societal impact, highlighting how quickly misinformation can spread on platforms like TikTok and X. Earlier in the week, police had outlined two clear paths: if the original claim proved valid, the alleged perpetrator would face swift arrest and trial; conversely, proven falsehoods would lead to legal accountability for the accuser.

The swift turn around in this high-profile matter comes amid growing scrutiny of social media-driven allegations, where viral videos often shape public perception before facts emerge. Officials urged the public to verify information through official channels and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could harm individuals or investigations.

As proceedings move forward, Mirabel remains in police custody pending further legal steps, including possible arraignment. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with sharing personal stories online both for those who post and for audiences who react and the importance of thorough, evidence-based investigations in allegations of this nature.

Stakeholders, including women's rights groups and digital safety advocates, continue to call for balanced approaches that protect genuine victims while addressing misuse of serious claims. The full outcome of the police investigation and any court process will likely draw continued attention in the coming days.