The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has declared that the alleged rape case involving Miss Nsikak Abigael Emem, popularly known as Mirabel, was fabricated, saying investigations established that no rape occurred.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday while providing updates on two gender-based violence cases that have generated public interest in the state.
According to the statement, investigations conducted by relevant authorities, coupled with admissions made by Mirabel herself, confirmed that the rape allegation was false.
The ministry stated that there was therefore no offender to be arrested or prosecuted in connection with the claim and no threat to public safety arising from the narrative earlier presented to the public.
It added that after a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the matter, the government concluded that the interest of justice would be better served through psycho-social rehabilitation rather than prosecution.
The statement read, “The Ministry of Justice has been receiving periodic reports on her progress, and the feedback indicates that she has responded positively to rehabilitation. She is currently preparing for examinations as part of efforts to further her academic pursuits.”
The ministry explained that Mirabel had been placed under the care of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where she is receiving rehabilitative support.
Meanwhile, the state government announced a major breakthrough in the investigation of the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in the Ibogun area of Ogun State.
The ministry recalled that four men allegedly took turns sexually assaulting the teenager, adding that while one suspect, Segun Samuel, was arrested shortly after the incident, three others escaped.
According to the statement, sustained collaboration between the Ogun State Ministry of Justice and the Ogun State Police Command led to the arrest of the alleged ringleader of the attack, Qudus Abiola Yekini.
While noting that two suspects are still at large, the ministry described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in efforts to ensure justice for the victim.
“The arrest underscores the Ogun State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and should reassure the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects,” the statement added.
The government commended the Ogun State Police Command for its role in securing the arrest, particularly the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, and other senior officers involved in the operation.
It also reiterated its condemnation of all forms of criminal conduct, including violent attacks on vulnerable persons and the making of false allegations, warning that offenders would be held accountable in accordance with the law.
