By our Reporter
The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has provided fresh updates on two widely reported gender-based violence cases in the state, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape of Miss Nsikak Abigael Emem, popularly known as Mirabel, and announcing a major breakthrough in the prosecution of suspects linked to the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in Ifo Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), the Ministry disclosed that investigations conducted by relevant authorities, coupled with admissions made by Mirabel herself, established that the rape allegation she made was false and deliberately fabricated.
According to the statement, the findings revealed that no rape incident occurred, thereby eliminating the existence of any offender to be apprehended or prosecuted. The Ministry noted that there was also no threat to public safety arising from the narrative that had initially generated public concern.
Following a comprehensive review of the matter, the Ministry said it determined that the interest of justice would be better served through psycho-social rehabilitation rather than criminal prosecution.
As a result, Mirabel has been placed under the care of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where she is receiving rehabilitative support and counselling.
The Attorney-General stated that the Ministry of Justice has continued to receive periodic reports on her progress, adding that available feedback indicates positive response to the rehabilitation programme.
“Mirabel is currently preparing for examinations as part of efforts to further her academic pursuits and reintegrate productively into society,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry announced significant progress in the investigation and prosecution of suspects involved in the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in the Ibogun area of the state.
The case, which sparked public outrage, involved four men who allegedly took turns sexually assaulting the teenager. One suspect, identified as Segun Samuel, was arrested shortly after the incident, while the remaining suspects fled.
The Ministry revealed that sustained collaboration between the Ogun State Ministry of Justice and the Ogun State Police Command has now resulted in the arrest of the alleged ringleader of the attack, Qudus Abiola Yekini.
While two other suspects remain at large, the government described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the pursuit of justice for the victim and assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The Ministry commended the Ogun State Police Command for its commitment and professionalism in handling the case, particularly acknowledging the efforts of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni; Deputy Commissioners of Police, DCP Bolanle Murtala and DCP Gbenga Adeoye; Area Commander, Ifo, ACP Seyi Olugboji Williams; DPO Ifo, CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen; DPO Ibogun, CSP Sasa Adeniyi; and the Officer-in-Charge of Gender Affairs, SP Bunmi Asogbon.
According to the statement, the arrest of the alleged gang-rape ringleader reinforces the Ogun State Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence and demonstrates its commitment to ensuring justice for victims.
The government also reiterated its condemnation of all forms of criminal conduct, including sexual violence against vulnerable persons and the making of false allegations capable of misleading the public and law enforcement agencies.
Residents were urged to remain law-abiding and report criminal activities through appropriate channels, with assurances that offenders would be held accountable in accordance with the law.
