BENIN CITY: As 35 years-old Ogbeide Ahusemere Monday has reportedly jumped police bail in Benin City in a bid to avoid possible prosecution and eventual conviction for the offence of homosexuality.
The said Ogbeide Ahusemere Monday was reportedly arrested by men of the local vigilante group in charge of Upper Adesuwa road, G.R.A, Benin City, while he was caught in homosexual act with his gay partner, one Efosa Anthony and they were seriously beaten and Efosa later died on his way to the hospital while Ogbeide after serious mob lynching was almost burnt alive but he was later handed over to the local police division.
Report had it that one Obaro Victor, a community Elder, stated that the local Vigilante Group has been on the trail of Ogbeide Ahusemere Monday following tip off by residents who suspected the homosexual relationship between Ogbeide and his gay partner Efosa which is considered abominable act and a taboo in the culture and traditional values of the Bini people and could incur wrath of the gods in the community where the act is carried out.
It was gathered that the said Ogbeide Ahusemere Monday was subsequently granted bail pending when the matter would be charged to Court.
However, on the 18th of May, 2017 when he was to be charged to Court, just before the registration of a one count charge of homosexuality and carnal knowledge of male person against the order of nature, he mysteriously absconded from the session reserved for awaiting trial suspect at the Edo State Magistrate Court premises, Evbuoriaria, Sapele road, Benin City all effort to re-arrest him proved abortive.
The decision of Ogbeide Ahusemere Monday to jump police bail is not unconnected with the severe penalties prescribed in the same sex marriage (prohibition) Act 2014 and the Nigerian Criminal Code Act which specifically prescribes 10-14 years terms of imprisonment without an option of fine.
Ogbeide’s decision to abscond may not be connected with the keen aversion of the Nigerian society against his sexual orientation which apparently includes judiciary headed by judges who are themselves Nigerians and on that basis, he must have felt he stood no chance in whatever defense he intends to put forward at trial.
Since the passage of the same sex marriage (prohibition) bill into law and the eventual assent by former President Goodluck Jonathan, the LGBT community in Nigeria has gone into hiding for fear of being victims of jungle justice and unavoidable prosecution.
The passage of the bill has in recent times given more force and impetus to locals to perfect jungle justice on persons involved in homosexual activities which is generally viewed as satanic and demonic and for which the society believes should be put to death before intervention of State Authorities.
