OAU Student Delivers Emotional Apology in Wake of N15m Lawsuit Over Baseless Rape Claim

A 200-level female student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), known as Adeife, has issued a second public apology to her fellow student, David Adefesobi Ojuko, following her unfounded accusation that labeled him a rapist on social media. The development comes as David pursues a ₦15 million defamation lawsuit against her, highlighting the severe repercussions of online allegations in Nigeria’s academic circles.

The incident, which has sparked widespread discussions on social media and among university communities, originated from a heated disagreement over the controversial “Mirabel issue” – a trending case involving another OAU student, Mirabel, who had alleged rape but whose claims were later questioned and deemed potentially fabricated after investigations. According to reports, David shared his opinion on WhatsApp, suggesting Mirabel’s story might not hold up, which Adeife perceived as dismissive. In a fit of anger, she posted on her status, tagging David as a rapist and circulating his contact details, leading to online harassment, threats, and reputational damage for him.

In her latest apology video, which has gone viral across platforms like X and Instagram, Adeife expressed deep remorse, clarifying that David has never committed such an act and describing him as “easygoing and respectful.” She stated, “Good evening, everybody. My name is Adeife, and I am here today to sincerely apologise to David from the bottom of my heart. Recently, I made a very wrong statement on my WhatsApp status, tagging David as a rapist. David had only shared his opinion about Mirabel’s ongoing saga, and our disagreement led me to speak very carelessly, and it is something that I truly regret. I want to make it clear that David has never raped anybody. In fact, testimonies around show that David is a very easygoing and respectful person.”

Adeife further detailed reconciliation efforts between the families. A virtual meeting on February 20, 2026, involving both parties, resulted in agreements for a formal apology letter, a retraction video, and an in-person visit by her parents to David’s family in Ile-Ife. She confirmed the visit occurred on February 22, 2026, emphasizing lessons learned: “Words spoken in anger can cause serious harm, and I want others to learn from this that you should never let your emotions override you. Once again, I am very, very sorry, David. I am truly sorry from the depth of my heart, and I want to promise everybody that such will not repeat itself.”

David, in a separate video statement circulating online, addressed the ordeal, denying any involvement in rape and explaining how the accusation stemmed purely from his views on the Mirabel saga. He noted the emotional toll, including lost opportunities and distress, and clarified that the virtual family meeting did not fully resolve the matter to his satisfaction. Updates from social media users, including chats shared by observers, confirm Adeife explicitly called him a “rapist,” not merely a “rape apologist,” despite no prior personal conflict or evidence.

The lawsuit, filed through David’s legal team on February 22, 2026, demands ₦15 million in damages for defamation, emotional suffering, and harm to his reputation. The team described the claims as “baseless, malicious, and reckless,” noting the spread of David’s phone number across WhatsApp and other platforms exposed him to ridicule among peers, family, and the broader community. They argue that while Adeife’s initial retraction was a step forward, it fails to undo the irreversible damage, including business losses and threats. The suit also seeks a commitment against future harmful statements and the removal of all defamatory content, with a 14-day compliance window before escalation.

NaijaChoice News reports that this case underscores the growing concerns over false accusations in Nigeria, particularly in university settings where social media amplifies disputes. Legal experts point out that defamation laws under the Nigerian Criminal Code could lead to fines or imprisonment if proven, serving as a cautionary tale for impulsive online posts. As the lawsuit progresses, both students’ families have urged privacy, but public interest remains high, with calls for OAU to implement stricter guidelines on campus conflicts.

Students and netizens have mixed reactions, with some praising David’s pursuit of justice and others warning against unchecked emotions. As one X user noted in a viral post, “This girls don too get chance oo,” reflecting frustration over perceived leniency in such matters.