By James Ogunnaike

ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has provided fresh updates on two high-profile gender-based violence cases, including the alleged rape of Miss Nsikak Abigael Emem, popularly known as Mirabel, and the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in Ifo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), said investigations by relevant authorities established that Mirabel’s rape allegation was false and deliberately fabricated.

According to the statement, findings from the investigation, including admissions reportedly made by Mirabel, showed that no rape incident occurred as initially claimed.

“The investigations by relevant authorities, as well as Mirabel’s own admissions, established that the rape allegation was false and deliberately fabricated,” the statement said.

The ministry explained that since no offence had been committed, there was no suspect to arrest or prosecute and no threat to public safety arising from the allegation that had generated public concern.

Despite the outcome of the investigation, the government said it decided against prosecuting Mirabel, opting instead for rehabilitation.

“Following a comprehensive review of the circumstances, the Ministry concluded that the interest of justice would be better served through psycho-social rehabilitation rather than prosecution,” the statement added.

The government disclosed that Mirabel is currently under the care of the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where she is receiving rehabilitative support.

According to Ogungbade, the Ministry of Justice has continued to receive periodic reports on her progress, which indicate that she is responding positively to rehabilitation and preparing for examinations as part of efforts to continue her education.

On the separate case involving the gang rape of a 15-year-old girl in Ibogun, the ministry said significant progress had been made in tracking down the suspects.

The government recalled that four men allegedly sexually assaulted the teenager, with one suspect, Segun Samuel, arrested shortly after the incident while others escaped.

The statement revealed that ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the Ogun State Police Command recently led to the arrest of the alleged ringleader, Qudus Abiola Yekini.

“The arrest of the alleged ringleader represents a major breakthrough in the case and demonstrates the commitment of the government to ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement said.

While two suspects remain at large, the ministry assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend and prosecute all those involved.

The government commended the Ogun State Police Command and several senior officers for their roles in securing the latest arrest.

According to the ministry, the development reinforces the Ogun State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and underscores its commitment to ensuring justice for victims.

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

“We urge members of the public to refrain from all forms of criminal conduct. Offenders will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Ogungbade warned.

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