Popular social media personality Saida Boj has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding TikTok user Mirabel, urging Nigerians to respond with empathy, not prosecution.
Mirabel recently admitted that her earlier claim of being raped was untrue, a revelation that sparked widespread outrage online and calls for her arrest. However, Saida Boj believes the situation goes far deeper than deliberate wrongdoing.
“What She Did Was Wrong, But It Was a Cry for Help”
In a lengthy and emotional statement shared online, Saida Boj acknowledged that fabricating such a claim was unacceptable. Still, she argued that Mirabel’s actions appear to stem from serious mental and emotional struggles rather than malicious intent.
According to her, Mirabel has previously posted videos discussing panic attacks and emotional distress — signs she believes are difficult to fake.
“This girl needs serious therapy, not jail. What she did was wrong, yes, but it was clearly a cry for help,” Saida Boj said.
Mental Health Concerns Highlighted
Saida Boj suggested that Mirabel may be battling chronic mental health issues, loneliness, and psychological strain. She pointed out that Mirabel had openly spoken about being unable to sleep without getting extremely high — something she described as a major red flag.
She stressed that public ridicule, cyberbullying, and aggressive calls for arrest could worsen Mirabel’s condition.
“She Didn’t Accuse Anyone”
Addressing claims that Mirabel intentionally tried to destroy lives, Saida Boj noted that she never mentioned or accused any specific individual of rape.
In her view, this detail is crucial.
“If she truly wanted to hurt someone, she could have pointed at any random man. But she didn’t. That shows there was still conscience there, even in her broken state,” she argued.
Blames Environment, Not Just the Girl
Saida Boj also criticised people within Mirabel’s immediate environment, including neighbours and adults who publicly mocked her during the controversy. She described such behaviour as insensitive and damaging, especially coming from older women who could have acted as mother figures.
According to her, Mirabel’s loneliness and lack of genuine support may have pushed her to seek attention in the worst possible way.
“She Is Still a Victim”
While admitting that many Nigerians feel angry and disappointed over the false claim, Saida Boj appealed for compassion.
“Mirabel is a girl who has lost hope. She just wanted to know if people still cared. These are clear signs of mental health disorder. Please, let’s not push her further into darkness.”
She concluded by calling on the public to prioritise mental health awareness, warning that punishment without care could have tragic consequences.
As debates continue online, the Mirabel case has reopened conversations around mental health, social media pressure, and how society responds when young people break down publicly.
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