Ogun Justice Ministry clarifies Mirabel allegation, announces arrest of suspected gang-rape ringleader

The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has provided updates on two high-profile gender-based violence (GBV) cases that have attracted widespread public attention across the state.

In a statement issued by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), the Ministry clarified developments surrounding the alleged rape of Miss Nsikak Abigael Emem, popularly known as Mirabel, as well as the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in Ifo Local Government Area.

According to the Ministry, investigations conducted by relevant authorities, alongside admissions made by Mirabel herself, established that the rape allegation was false and deliberately fabricated.

The statement noted that, as a result, there was no offender to apprehend or prosecute in connection with the claim, nor was there any threat to public safety arising from the narrative initially presented.

The Ministry explained that, after a comprehensive review of the circumstances, it concluded that the interests of justice would be better served through psycho-social rehabilitation rather than criminal prosecution.

Mirabel has since been placed under the care of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where she is receiving rehabilitative support.

“The Ministry of Justice has been receiving periodic reports on her progress, and the feedback indicates that she has responded positively to rehabilitation. She is currently preparing for examinations as part of efforts to further her academic pursuits,” the statement said.

On the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in the Ibogun area of the state, the Ministry disclosed that significant progress had been made in efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

It recalled that four men allegedly took turns sexually assaulting the teenager. One of the suspects, 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 had led to the arrest of the alleged ringleader of the attack, Qudus Abiola Yekini.

Although two other suspects remain at large, the Ministry described Yekini’s arrest as a major breakthrough and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all those involved are apprehended and prosecuted.

The Ministry commended the Ogun State Police Command for its efforts in securing the arrest, particularly 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 underscores the Ogun State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and should reassure residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

The government also reiterated its condemnation of all forms of criminal conduct, including violent attacks on vulnerable persons and the making of false allegations.

It urged residents to refrain from such acts, warning that offenders would be held accountable in accordance with the law.