OGUN STATE, NIGERIA (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Nigerian TikToker Mirabel, known online as @mirab351, for allegedly raising a false alarm of rape and assault.
On February 15, Mirabel went viral across social media after claiming she had been molested and raped by a man she met online at her residence. Days later, however, she retracted the allegation in a video, admitting that no such attack had occurred and asking for forgiveness.
Her reversal sparked outrage among social media users, many of whom demanded her arrest and prosecution, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent in an era where clout-chasing has become common on platforms like TikTok. Others questioned whether her denial was part of a broader attempt to shield the alleged attacker from accountability.
Speaking to SaharaReporters on Friday, Ogun State Police Command spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed that Mirabel is in custody. “She is with us now and investigation is ongoing,” he said.
According to Babaseyi, “The facts will tell at the conclusion of our investigation if she will be charged to court. If it is otherwise, the law goes against giving false information, and that can make anyone who gives false information culpable.”
False rape claims have increasingly surfaced on TikTok and other social media platforms. Analysts note that clout-chasing and attention-seeking are among the primary drivers, as sensational content often attracts followers and visibility. In Mirabel’s case, observers accused her of seeking attention after inconsistencies in her initial video were noticed.
Experts also point to psychological and emotional factors, including instability and a need for validation, as contributing to such harmful false claims. Police reports in Mirabel’s case highlighted concerns about her mental state.
The speed and anonymity of social media make it easier to spread unverified claims without immediate consequences. Such false allegations erode public trust, making it harder for genuine survivors to be believed, while also damaging the reputations of accused individuals who face stigma even when proven innocent.
