- The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency stressed that professional investigations were essential in handling abuse allegations
- Authorities confirmed the complainant later presented herself in Ogun State, where police commenced medical checks and inquiries
- The agency warned that misinformation could undermine justice, while insisting genuine survivors must never be silenced
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency has emphasised the need for thorough and professional investigations in cases of alleged domestic and sexual violence, cautioning against misinformation while insisting that victims must never be silenced.
In a statement shared on its official platforms on Thursday, the agency noted that although emotions often run high in such matters, due process must remain paramount.
“Thorough and professional investigation remains the foundation of justice,” the statement read. “It protects survivors, safeguards the rights of the accused, and ensures that outcomes are based on facts, not speculation.”
The agency’s comments follow developments surrounding a TikTok user, Mirabel (@mirab351), who had earlier alleged that she was raped in her apartment by a stranger. The claim triggered widespread outrage on social media and the hashtag #StopRapingWomen on X.
Initially, the Lagos agency appealed to the public for assistance in locating the survivor. It later confirmed that the incident reportedly occurred in Ogun State, placing the matter outside its jurisdiction. The agency subsequently forwarded all relevant information to authorities in Ogun in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration.
Providing an update, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Mirabel voluntarily presented herself at the Ibafo Police Division on Wednesday, 18 February, to file a formal complaint.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed in a post on X that after a preliminary evaluation, she was transferred to the Ogijo Division, the appropriate jurisdiction for further investigation. However, officers reportedly determined that she was not in a stable condition to provide detailed information at the time.
“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,” the statement said.
Babaseyi added that the police were handling the matter professionally and urged members of the public to verify information through official channels before sharing it.
Meanwhile, social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, claimed in posts online that Mirabel later admitted to him that her allegation was false and that she required rehabilitation. He alleged that she apologised to Nigerians and attributed her actions to personal struggles, while pleading for forgiveness.
The claims have generated mixed reactions online, with some expressing concern that false accusations could undermine genuine cases of sexual violence, while others have called for due process and careful handling of the matter.
Reiterating its position, the Lagos agency stressed that justice requires “truth, evidence, and due process”, warning that false claims and misinformation can erode public trust and make it more difficult for genuine survivors to be believed. At the same time, it maintained that society must never foster an environment that discourages victims from speaking out.