The Ogun State Government has officially concluded its investigation into the sexual assault allegations made by TikToker Nsikak Abigael Emem, popularly known as Mirabel, determining that the claims were false and deliberately fabricated.
According to the findings released by the Ogun State Ministry of Justice, investigators found no evidence to support the allegations. Authorities stated that no identifiable individual was falsely accused or directly implicated in the claims, a factor that influenced the government’s legal decision.
Rather than initiating criminal prosecution, the Ministry of Justice said the interest of justice and Mirabel’s overall well-being would be better served through psychosocial rehabilitation.
Following the decision, Mirabel was handed over to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where she is expected to undergo rehabilitation and receive appropriate psychosocial support.
Why Wasn’t She Prosecuted?
The government’s decision has generated mixed reactions, with many Nigerians questioning why criminal charges were not filed despite the investigation’s conclusion.
Legal experts point to Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which grants the Attorney General of a state broad discretionary powers over criminal prosecutions.
Under the Constitution, the Attorney General has the authority to:
- Institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person.
- Take over and continue criminal proceedings initiated by another authority.
- Discontinue criminal proceedings at any stage before judgment through the exercise of nolle prosequi.
In this case, the Ogun State Attorney General exercised those constitutional powers by deciding against criminal prosecution and recommending rehabilitation instead.
Public Reactions
The decision has sparked widespread debate across social media, with some Nigerians expressing disappointment that no criminal charges were brought. Others argue that rehabilitation is a more appropriate response if authorities believe mental health or psychosocial factors contributed to the incident.
Some commentators have also raised questions about reports that funds were allegedly solicited during the period the allegations were circulating. However, government officials have not announced any criminal charges relating to those claims.
For now, the Ogun State Government has formally closed the case, bringing an end to months of public discussion surrounding the matter.
As with many high-profile cases, the decision underscores the wide prosecutorial discretion granted to state Attorneys General under Nigeria’s Constitution, while also reigniting conversations about accountability, justice, and mental health interventions.
