The South West joint Police operation through the region States Police Command headquarters in Lagos has recorded some successes in their efforts to apprehend suspects linked to what authorities describe as an outlawed same-sex syndicate operating within the states.
The crackdown follows a raid on a notorious night club in Abule Egba area of Lagos and another club situated on Aiyegbami Street in the Iwoye area of Oshogbo, the state capital, where several individuals allegedly engaged in homosexual acts.
According to police sources, armed Police officers stormed the facility and discovered individuals in compromising situations within private rooms. Thirteen suspects were initially detained during the operation, while several others managed to escape. After extensive profiling, nine suspects were formally arrested and have since provided confessional statements aiding ongoing investigations.
The suspects confession led to the arrest of four other suspects, namely, Chinyere Chukwu (f), Tomi Bewaji (f) Ishola gbadebo(m) and Titilayo Opeyemi (f)in Abule Egba area of Lagos state.
Following the communique issued by the Police National headquarters in Abuja, the Inspector General of police reassured the public of their co-operation to clamp down on the LGBTQ members. The Assistant Inspector General of police in Lagos working with the South Eest police headquarters has signaled the some names on the region most-wanted LGBTQ members, including Ahmed Bada (m), Samuel Dino Robinson (m), Bukola Olalekan (f), Raufu Olufunmilayo (f), Haruna Balikis (f), Olusegun Odejimi (m), Akinde Kemi (f), Onyenwe Chidinma Jennifer (f), Adebowale Adeyemi Abiola (m) Adegunwa Folashade (F), and Adeegbe Olaoluwa Sunday (m) among others
Further investigations revealed that most of the suspects have fled the country. Samuel Dino Robinson is reported to Benin Republic, while others like Ahmed Bada, Adegunwa Folashade, Adeegbe Olaoluwa Sunday, Akinde Kemi and Raufu funmilayo have all allegedly fled to Europe, USA and Canada respectively.
“We have searched the apartments of the arrested individuals and recovered incriminating exhibits confirming their involvement in same-sex activities. Their parents, relatives, and relevant law enforcement agencies have been notified, and we are working to gather more intelligence,” a police spokesperson stated.
The Osun State Police Command affirmed its commitment to eradicating same-sex practices, citing their violation of Nigerian laws, customs, and religious values. “Our onslaught against same-sex practices is total and continuous. This is against our laws, traditions, and culture as a nation. While some suspects have fled, they can not evade justice forever. Sooner or later, they will return and answer for their crimes,” the state police spokesperson added.
This latest development follows the heightened enforcement of Nigeria’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, which criminalize same-sex relationships and impose severe penalties for those found guilty. The crackdown has sparked local and international debate over human rights and law enforcement practices in the country.
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