Justice demands evidence, not emotion
In recent weeks, there’s been a growing tension over a sensitive issue of rape allegations and false accusations in Nigeria. This arose when a certain TikTok user named Mirabel alleged that she was raped and cut with a blade by an unknown man. It sparked bags of conversations on the internet with people taking different […]
In recent weeks, there’s been a growing tension over a sensitive issue of rape allegations and false accusations in Nigeria. This arose when a certain TikTok user named Mirabel alleged that she was raped and cut with a blade by an unknown man.
It sparked bags of conversations on the internet with people taking different positions over the issue.
Following the public outcry urging the concerned authority to look into the matter, the Ogun State Police swung into action to get to the root of the matter. According to the official reports, multiple inconsistencies were discovered in her story. It was revealed that the viral rape allegation was false. It was also stated by the police that Mirabel declined to undergo full medical and forensic examinations, despite these being offered by authorities and NGOs. She has, since been detained for providing false information, wasting police resources, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
A deep glance at all of this, one will question what she stands to gain for pulling such a deadly stunt. Even some of her neighbors confirmed that there were no signs of a break-in or screams for help. If there’s anything, this question begs for an answer — why did she lie?
No one with a functioning sense will support rapists or excuse perpetrators.
But the punishment for false accusations should be stricter as well. Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act, says any person who publishes any defamatory matter is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year; and any person who publishes any defamatory matter knowing it to be false, is liable to imprisonment for two years. A defendant who publishes a defamatory matter with the intent to extort is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.
The consequences that come with false rape accusations are rattling. This ranges from the prosecution and conviction of innocent persons falsely accused, considerable societal stigma, damage to reputation, and psychological harm. False accusations undermine real survivors ‘ ability to be treated seriously.
Rape is a crime that destroys lives, and it must be treated with the seriousness it deserves. At the same time, false allegations are not harmless mistakes, they carry real and lasting consequences. We cannot afford to be a society that believes blindly or dismisses carelessly. Truth must be our standard. Evidence must be our guide. And justice must remain blind to sentiment but open to facts.
Muhammed Shaeed resides in Ilorin and can be reached via