The legal representative of Nigerian TikTok influencer, Mirabel, has called on the public to exercise patience as the police continue their investigation into sexual assault allegations made by the social media personality.
The lawyer, identified as Taofeek Akinbo, made the appeal on Friday through a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the posts, he confirmed his involvement in the matter and urged Nigerians to allow the law to take its course without speculation.
“Please be assured that this matter is being handled with the utmost diligence, professionalism, and respect for due process,” Akinbo wrote. He added that the public should avoid drawing conclusions while the authorities complete their work.
The lawyer tagged both the Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, and social media commentator VeryDarkMan in his posts. Mirabel reportedly admitted to VeryDarkMan that some aspects of her initial story were false.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that Mirabel had been discharged from the hospital but was still with police investigators for further questioning. According to Babaseyi, the police acted in good faith based on the seriousness of the claims made in her viral TikTok posts.
“As you know, already, she is somebody, a victim of sexual assault as we presumed, as it was allegedly stated from her post on TikTok and the posts that were going viral on X. We acted in good faith,” Babaseyi said. He added that the Divisional Police Officer ensured Mirabel received immediate medical attention, including admission into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The police spokesperson emphasised that Mirabel was never arrested. “Her welfare remained paramount. She has been happily discharged from the hospital and, as we speak, she’s with us for us to further the investigation and get to the logical conclusion of whether those allegations were true or not,” he stated.
The investigation is being conducted by the Gender and Rape Allied Matters Unit, Zone 2 Area Command, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Akinbo commended the Nigeria Police Force for conducting a thorough and orderly investigation so far, promising that further updates would be communicated once the process is concluded.
The allegations first gained public attention after Mirabel, known on TikTok as @mirab351, shared a video claiming she had been sexually assaulted in her apartment. The distressing clip went viral, sparking outrage across social media and prompting widespread calls for justice.
Initial reports mistakenly linked the alleged incident to Lagos State. However, preliminary checks by authorities revealed that the event took place in Ogijo, Ogun State, bringing the matter under the jurisdiction of the Ogun State Police Command.
The case has generated conflicting narratives online, with some social media users spreading unverified claims, including suggestions that Mirabel had been arrested. The police have dismissed these rumours, stressing that she voluntarily reported the incident and continues to receive appropriate care while investigations are ongoing.
The allegations quickly sparked intense debate across X, TikTok, and other platforms. Supporters of Mirabel called for immediate justice, while others urged caution and reminded the public that allegations must be thoroughly investigated before conclusions are drawn.
The situation highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping public discourse around sensitive issues like sexual assault. Viral content can mobilise attention quickly but may also spread incomplete or misleading information if not carefully verified.
Akinbo’s call for calm reflects the legal principle that the accused and the complainant both deserve a fair and thorough investigation. In Nigeria, allegations of sexual assault are taken seriously and handled by specialised units within the police force, such as the Gender and Rape Allied Matters Unit, which is trained to deal with sensitive cases involving victims.
Sexual assault allegations in Nigeria often generate high levels of public attention, particularly when amplified by social media influencers. Previous cases have led to significant discussions about victim protection, police response, and the role of online platforms in advocacy and accountability.
The Nigeria Police Force has faced criticism in the past over its handling of gender-based violence cases, leading to reforms aimed at improving professionalism and victim support. The Gender and Rape Allied Matters Unit is part of these reforms, ensuring that allegations are investigated with sensitivity and in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, public engagement in high-profile cases can help hold authorities accountable but can also risk spreading misinformation. Lawyers and police officials often urge the public to allow investigations to proceed without interference.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on verifying the facts, understanding the full context of the incident, and determining the appropriate legal action.
Akinbo reassured Nigerians that updates would be shared as the process unfolds. He asked the public to remain patient and avoid speculation that could interfere with the work of the police.
“The Nigeria Police Force is handling this matter with professionalism. We urge the public to trust the process and allow the authorities to complete their investigation,” Akinbo stated.
For now, Mirabel’s health and welfare remain priorities, and the police are expected to conclude their inquiry in the coming days. Observers note that the case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between public interest, social media influence, and the need for due process in allegations of sexual assault.
