Naija Feminists Media Demands Immediate Investigation and Prosecution in the Rape of Mirabel

February 17, 2026

Naija Feminists Media stands in unwavering solidarity with Mirabel, who was raped in her own home in the morning on the 15th of February, 2025. This was a direct violation of her bodily autonomy, safety, and fundamental human rights.

Following the assault, the perpetrator reportedly sent Mirabel a message on TikTok referencing her refusal to give him her phone number and rejecting his advances. This detail matters because it exposes men’s entitlement that fuels sexual violence, the belief that a woman’s no is negotiable, and that refusal invites retaliation.

Rape is a criminal offence under Nigerian law. Under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, rape carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment in certain circumstances. The Act recognises consent as a voluntary and unequivocal agreement. Anything short of that constitutes rape.

We are therefore calling on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately open a formal investigation, publicly confirm that this case is being treated as rape under the VAPP Act, identify and arrest the perpetrator, and prosecute without delay. Survivor-centred handling of this case is also non-negotiable.

We also call on the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to monitor this case and provide immediate legal and psychosocial support alongside civil society organisations. Justice in this case will signal whether institutions in Nigeria protect women’s rights or protect impunity, and we expect immediate, visible action.

In solidarity,

Naija Feminists Media