Ogun Police Warn That Spreading False Information Is a Crime

The Ogun State Police Command has reiterated that providing false information to law enforcement or any public authority constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, issued the reminder in a public advisory shared on his official X account. He stressed that knowingly giving misleading information to a public officer is punishable under the Criminal Code Act, with penalties that may include imprisonment, a fine, or both.

The advisory also cited the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which prescribes sanctions for intentionally spreading false information electronically, including on social media platforms.

According to the police, false reports waste public resources, hinder investigations, and can incite unnecessary panic. The command warned that anyone found culpable would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The advisory follows ongoing controversy surrounding a TikTok user, Abigail Nsuka, popularly known as Mirabel.

Mirabel had earlier alleged on TikTok that she was attacked and sexually assaulted by a stranger who reportedly forced his way into her apartment in the Ogijo area of Ogun State. The claims quickly gained traction online, drawing widespread sympathy and calls for justice.

However, a recorded phone conversation later circulated by social media influencer VeryDarkMan purportedly captured Mirabel admitting that she fabricated parts of her account. In the audio, she allegedly confessed to creating a separate TikTok profile to send herself threatening messages in order to make her claims appear credible.

Commissioner Provides Update

In a related development, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, confirmed that Mirabel had received medical attention and was subsequently handed over to the police to conclude investigations.

In a statement posted on her official X account, 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.”

As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to release a final investigative conclusion.

Mixed Reactions Online

The case has sparked widespread debate on Nigerian social media, with users expressing diverse opinions.

Some users expressed relief at reports suggesting the alleged assault may not have occurred, commending the police for handling the matter professionally. Others, however, warned against celebrating prematurely or dismissing the gravity of sexual assault allegations.

Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck questioned the eagerness of some individuals who hoped the claims were false, describing such reactions as troubling. Another user noted that while false allegations are harmful, supporting victims should remain a priority.

Former Big Brother Naija star Tacha stated that if investigations confirm the allegation was false, appropriate legal consequences should follow, arguing that false accusations can undermine genuine victims and embolden those who dismiss real cases of sexual violence.

Conversely, journalist and filmmaker Kiki Mordi cautioned against drawing conclusions before official findings are released, emphasising that investigations require professional scrutiny.

As conversations continue across social media platforms, authorities have maintained that the investigation is ongoing and that official conclusions will be communicated in due course. Meanwhile, the police have reiterated their warning that spreading false information carries serious legal consequences.