Former Big Brother Naija housemate Natasha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has reacted to the recent development in the case involving Mirabel, a TikTok user who admitted fabricating a rape allegation.

In a new video shared on her Instagram page, Tacha said rape is a serious issue that should never be weaponised, warning that false accusations damage the credibility of genuine victims.

“Rape is a very serious issue. Women should never weaponise rape for any reason, because at the end of the day, you are taking away from the real victims,” she said.

The reality star explained that she initially believed Mirabel’s story strongly enough to request her phone number. However, she maintained that admitting to fabrication does not erase the reality that sexual assault remains a serious problem.

“I am not going to back down from the fact that women still do get raped. I am not going back down from the fact that there are real victims out there,” she said.

Tacha argued that false allegations embolden rape apologists and make it harder for future accusers to be believed. According to her, such actions strengthen those who already dismiss claims of sexual violence.

She added that, in her opinion, anyone who falsely accuses another person of rape should face consequences.

“If any girl comes out to accuse a guy falsely of raping her, I honestly think she should be taught a lesson. It is not a case of letting it slide,” she said.

While acknowledging that mental health concerns may exist in some cases, she insisted that penalties are necessary so that the gravity of rape allegations is clearly understood.

Tacha also spoke about the emotional toll of false accusations, noting that she could not imagine her male friends facing such claims. “It toys with your mental health,” she added.

Nigerian actress and disc jockey Dorcas Shola Fapson, popularly known as Ms DSF, also reacted to the development.

On her Snapchat page, she said she did not believe the initial claim when she first saw the video and accompanying direct messages. “Call it discernment but something was very off,” she wrote.

Ms DSF further stated that she believes Mirabel may have mental health issues and should be both penalised and treated appropriately.

What happened in Mirabel’s case

Abigail Nsuka, also known as Mirabel had taken to TikTok to allege that she was sexually assaulted by a stranger who allegedly broke into her apartment.

In her initial posts, she claimed that the attacker later sent her threatening messages. She also stated that the ordeal had left her feeling suicidal.

The case gained attention on social media, with people expressing concern and calling for justice.

However, during a phone conversation with social media influencer VeryDarkMan, also known as VDM, Mirabel admitted that she fabricated parts of her story.

VeryDarkMan later shared an audio recording of the conversation online. In the recording, Mirabel reportedly recanted key elements of her earlier claims.

When asked about the screenshots of the threatening messages allegedly sent by her attacker, she apologised and admitted that she created the TikTok account used to send those messages to herself in order to make the story appear believable.