Following her viral confession admitting a false rape claim, BBNaija star Tacha is demanding maximum punishment for Mirabel.
Tacha’s stance, shared via her X account (formerly Twitter), underscores the potential damage false allegations can inflict on real victims and the broader fight against sexual violence in Nigeria.
The controversy erupted earlier this week when Mirabel, a TikTok user, posted a distressing video alleging she had been raped by an unknown intruder in her home. The clip quickly gained traction, amplifying calls for justice and reigniting discussions around women’s safety.
However, on Thursday, February 19, Mirabel reversed her story in a conversation with social critic Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan. She admitted the claim was entirely false, attributing her actions to severe mental health struggles.
Ogun State Police Command swiftly intervened, arresting Mirabel following an investigation that confirmed the allegation’s falsehood. Authorities have indicated that she could face charges under Nigerian law, potentially including up to 10 years in prison for misleading the public and wasting police resources. This development has fueled widespread outrage, with many Nigerians echoing demands for accountability to deter similar incidents.
Tacha, a vocal advocate on social issues since her time on the reality show, weighed in emphatically. In a post on X, she wrote, “Now that it’s been established that Mirabel lied about the rape allegation, I expect the police and the agencies in charge of handling rape and assault cases to make sure they penalize Mirabel and that she receives the same punishment a rapist would get… BECAUSE we live in a very wicked and terrible society where rapists and rape apologists are looking for excuses to continue to rape and abuse women. ” We should NEVER allow stupid women to empower these evil men! She must be penalized.”
In a follow-up video that has since circulated widely, Tacha elaborated on the broader implications. “Rape is a very serious issue. Women should never weaponize rape for whatever reason.
Never use rape to get back at an ex or a man. Never try to do so because, at the end of the day, you are taking away from the real victims. You are, honestly! You are empowering these rape apologists and rapists because they feel like the next girl that comes out to talk about it—how many people will believe her? because truthfully, how many people will believe her?”
Her comments highlight a growing concern among activists that fabricated stories erode public trust in survivors’ testimonies, potentially discouraging genuine victims from coming forward.
The incident has also intersected with other high-profile cases. Just days prior, fellow BBNaija star Neo Akpofure threatened legal action against an X user who accused him of rape, demanding a retraction and apology within 48 hours or facing defamation charges.
Observers note that Mirabel’s case has amplified scrutiny on social media allegations, prompting calls for balanced approaches that protect both accusers and the accused.
Public reaction has been mixed but predominantly supportive of prosecution. Online forums and social media platforms are abuzz with hashtags like #JusticeForRealVictims, with many arguing that leniency could embolden more false claims in a country where rape convictions remain low due to evidentiary challenges and stigma.
Mental health experts, however, have urged compassion, pointing to Mirabel’s cited struggles as a factor, while stressing the need for professional support systems.
As the Ogun State Police continue their probe, legal analysts suggest Mirabel could be charged under sections of the Criminal Code Act about false information and public mischief.
No formal charges have been filed yet, but sources indicate a court appearance may be imminent. Tacha’s intervention, leveraging her platform of over a million followers, has undoubtedly intensified pressure on authorities to act decisively.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between amplifying voices against sexual violence and safeguarding against misuse that could undermine those efforts. As Nigeria grapples with rising reports of gender-based violence, stakeholders emphasize the importance of thorough investigations and education to foster a society where truth prevails.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Tacha is calling for Mirabel—the woman who falsely claimed she was raped—to receive the maximum punishment, equivalent to what a convicted rapist would face. The central message she and many Nigerians want everyone to understand is this: false rape allegations seriously harm real victims by giving rapists and rape apologists ammunition to dismiss genuine cases and making society less likely to believe future survivors.
