The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that TikToker Abigail Nsuka, popularly known as Mirabel, is under investigation following her admission that a viral rape allegation she made was false.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, told Peoples Gazette on Friday that the social media personality is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
“We have her. Investigations will explain the next line of action,” Mr Babaseyi said.
In an earlier statement reposted on his official X page, the police spokesperson had stressed that authorities would pursue justice regardless of the outcome of investigations.
“If she is telling the truth based on her account and experience, the perpetrator will be arrested and appropriately charged in court. On the other hand, if the claims are found to be false, the law provides for consequences, and anyone giving false information can be held culpable,” he stated.
The controversy began after Ms Nsuka alleged in a viral video that she had been sexually assaulted in her apartment. The claim generated widespread sympathy on social media and drew the attention of government agencies, including the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), which reached out to her and her friends to provide support and ensure her well-being.
During a live TikTok session, Ms Nsuka and two friends shared what they described as her account number, inviting viewers to offer financial assistance. Although they insisted they were “not begging for money,” they said members of the public could support her if they wished.
However, the narrative took a dramatic turn after a neighbour publicly disputed the alleged assault. In subsequent conversations with Nigerian social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, Ms Nsuka admitted that her earlier claim was false, attributing her actions to panic attacks.
Following the developments, the matter was referred to the Ogun State police for appropriate handling. Authorities confirmed that she received medical attention as part of standard procedure.
The police command also issued a public advisory warning that providing false information to law enforcement or circulating unverified reports online constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law. The advisory cited provisions of the Criminal Code Act and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, noting that offenders may face imprisonment, fines, or both.
The command emphasised that spreading false information wastes government resources, obstructs investigations and creates unnecessary public panic. It urged citizens to verify facts before sharing sensitive claims on social media.
