Ogun TikToker Admitted to Intensive Care Unit Amid Sexual Assault Probe
The Ogun State Police Command has disclosed that a TikTok content creator known as Mirabel is currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) as authorities continue to investigate her allegations of sexual assault. This development follows a series of viral videos where Mirabel detailed the incident, sparking widespread public outrage and debate across Nigeria.
Police Spokesperson Confirms Hospitalization During Television Interview
Oluseyi Babaseyi, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, revealed this information during an appearance on Channels Television's The Morning Brief program on Thursday, February 19. Babaseyi explained that police officers established contact with Mirabel earlier this week after her videos went viral, tracing her to the Ibafo area. It was determined that the alleged assault occurred in Ogijo, a border community between Lagos and Ogun State.
Babaseyi stated, "When the DPO in Ibafo met with her, she was taken to the hospital for medical analysis. She was not as stable as necessary, but we ensured the investigation continued. As we speak, she is in the intensive care unit getting appropriate care. Her medical well-being is more important to us at this point. When she is stable, we can now continue investigations and get the necessary facts."
Details of the Alleged Assault and Viral Video Claims
Recall that Mirabel recently posted emotional videos on her TikTok page, alleging that she was sexually assaulted in her home on Sunday, February 15. In a video shared on Monday, February 16, she recounted hearing a knock at her door, opening it thinking it was a neighbor, and then a stranger forcing his way inside. She claimed she lost consciousness during a struggle and later woke up to find herself being assaulted.
Following the circulation of these videos, Mirabel shared a message allegedly sent to her by the man who sexually assaulted her, identified as "Priston" from an account with no followers or following. In the message, Priston claimed he assaulted her because she rejected his advances and refused to give him her phone number, despite her frequently complimenting his appearance. He further boasted that if identified and taken to court, his wealthy father would ensure the matter was "buried," and he threatened to return in four years to pursue a relationship with her.
Public Reaction and Broader Context of Sexual Assault in Nigeria
Public reaction to Mirabel's case has been mixed, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy and calling for justice, while skepticism has emerged in some quarters. This incident underscores the pervasive issue of sexual assault in Nigeria, often described by advocates as a "silent epidemic" or a "pandemic within a pandemic."
According to 2017 data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 2,279 cases of sexual assault and indecent assault were reported to the police, with the incidence among women and minors increasing from 63.0% in 2015 to 69.3% in 2017. Additionally, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported only 32 successful sexual assault prosecutions between 2019 and 2020, an alarmingly low number for a country with over 200 million people.
Related Legal Developments and Media Coverage
In a related development, former Big Brother Naija housemate Neo Akpofure recently initiated legal proceedings against a female accuser who alleged sexual assault in a now-deleted post on X. This case highlights the complex legal and social dynamics surrounding allegations of sexual violence in Nigeria.
The investigation into Mirabel's allegations remains ongoing, with police prioritizing her medical recovery before proceeding with further inquiries. The Ogun State Police Command has assured the public that they are committed to ensuring justice is served while addressing the broader crisis of gender-based violence in the region.
