The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, has reiterated that giving false information to the police or any public authority is a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

In a public advisory shared on his official X handle, the police spokesperson reminded citizens that knowingly providing false information to mislead a public officer is punishable under the Criminal Code Act.

The advisory stated that anyone who deliberately gives false information may face imprisonment, a fine, or both.

It also referenced the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which prescribes penalties for intentionally spreading false information electronically, including on social media platforms.

According to the notice, false information wastes government resources, obstructs investigations, and can create unnecessary public panic. The police added that offenders will be investigated and prosecuted.

The advisory comes amid the ongoing controversy involving a TikTok user, Abigail Nsuka, popularly known as Mirabel.

Mirabel had earlier taken to TikTok to allege that she was attacked and raped by a stranger who allegedly forced his way into her apartment in the Ogijo area of Ogun State.

Her claims quickly gained attention on social media, drawing sympathy and calls for justice from Nigerians.

However, in a recorded phone conversation later shared online by social media influencer VeryDarkMan, Mirabel reportedly admitted that she fabricated parts of her story.

In the audio recording, she allegedly confessed to creating a separate TikTok account to send herself threatening messages in order to make the allegation appear credible.

Ogun State gives update

In a related development, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye confirmed that Mirabel has been handed over to the police after receiving medical attention.

In a post on her official X handle, the commissioner said: “Following initial medical attention and appropriate care, she has been handed back to the Ogun State Police to enable them conclude their investigation. She remains a victim of an alleged crime unless and until the outcome of the investigation determines otherwise.”

At the time of this report, the police have not yet issued a final investigative report.

Reactions from Nigerian Twitter

The case has continued to generate debate on Nigerian Twitter, with users expressing mixed reactions.

User @omolomo_o wrote: “On this Mirabel’s case, I am glad she wasn’t raped. I am glad nobody has been pointed to be accused falsely. I am glad Ogun State police took it professionally. I am glad the truth came out at last.”

Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck also weighed in, saying: “If it’s a lie then it’s not a good thing. Regardless, I am so disappointed at the ‘enthusiasm’ shown towards people hoping it was false from the onset. That’s really weird. But why though? I just dey ask.”

Another user, @faree_for_real, wrote: “I hope, for her sake, she was lying and didn’t go through all of that. On that note, I’d rather support a woman who turns out to be a liar than a man who turns out to be a rapist.”

Former Big Brother Naija star Tacha also reacted, stating that if it has been established that the allegation was false, authorities should ensure that appropriate penalties are applied.

She argued that false rape allegations can empower rape apologists and undermine genuine victims. According to her, such cases should not be treated lightly.

However, journalist and filmmaker Kiki Mordi cautioned against drawing conclusions too quickly.

“Established by whom?” she wrote. “It’s too short a time frame for experts to examine and give a full report. This is why it’s not advisable for non-professionals to interfere with victims.”

Another user, @Chichi9947, commented: “Men actually hate false rape accusers more than rapists.”

Nigerian singer Terry Apala also reacted: “Pray make dem no lie for your head on top wetin you no do.”

As discussions continue online, the case has become one of the most debated topics across Nigerian social media platforms.

While the police have reiterated that false information is a criminal offence, authorities have also maintained that investigations are ongoing and that official conclusions will be communicated in due course.