…community youths vow to apprehend suspect, intensify manhunt
The Edo State Police Command has declared one Oduwa Alexander Ugiagbe and his partner, Oviawe Eghosa Precious wanted for allegedly involving in the act of homosexuality which is contrary to the same-sex marriage prohibition Act 2013 of the Federal Government of Nigeria signed into law in 2014.
The suspects had escaped death by whiskers after they were caught in the act and beaten to a pulp by an angry mob led by the members of the State’s community vigilante group.
The outlawed act between the duo, according to sources, allegedly took place at Jubilee Guest House in Joromi Street, Ekehuan Road, Benin City, Edo State, on May 28, 2023. If apprehended,
Oduwa Alexander Ugiagbe and his partner, Oviawe Eghosa Precious could face imprisonment of 14 years or more, as stipulated by the law.
A spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, who briefed our correspondent on the matter, said, “The Edo State Police Command on the 28th of May 2023, received an intelligence report from the vigilante group in charge of the Joromi environs in the Ekehuan axis, Benin City, detailing an incident involving a some suspected persons who allegedly engaged in homosexual activities.
The vigilante operatives had reported that one Oduwa Alexander Ugiagbe and his partner Oviawe Eghosa Precious were caught engaging in the indecent act, contrary to the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2014, which prescribes penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment for violators.
“Our men immediately swung into action to investigate the matter which reportedly took place at the Jubilee Guest House on Joromi Street, Ekehuan Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Before the police officers arrived, the pair had escaped after being severely beaten by the vigilante group, in company of some angry mob.”
The Police PRO further noted, “Further attempts to locate Oduwa Alexander Ugiagbe at his residence at No. 3 Barrister Itai Street, Oghede Quarters, Upper Ekehuan Road, Benin City, proved futile, as he had fled to avoid arrest and the wrath of the local community, who had vowed to track him down as a sacrifice to appease their deities.
“It is important to note that while the law prohibits same-sex relationships, it does not support jungle justice. To avoid jungle justice which these community youths have threatened, we urge Oduwa Alexander Ugiagbe and his partner Oviawe Eghosa Precious to present themselves for prosecution in accordance with the law.
“Meanwhile, anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of Oduwa Alexander Ugiagbe and his partner Oviawe Eghosa Precious should please contact the nearest police station, law enforcement agency, or journalists for prosecution.”
All attempts to contact Oduwa Alexander Ugiagbe or his partner, Eghosa in order to get their own side of the matter proved abortive as friends and relatives declined to reveal their whereabouts to journalists who made inquiries.
