The Osun State Police Command, at the weekend, raided a club in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government of Osun State, arresting over 12 suspected homosexuals and declaring their leader, Adeboye Kazeem Ajadi wanted.
The suspected homosexuals were allegedly having a party at the club in the late hours of the night before they were busted by the police, following an anonymous tip-off by some residents who found their activities distasteful and largely obscene.
The arrest is part of renewed efforts by the government to stamp out same-sex relationships, which is contrary to the same-sex marriage prohibition Act 2013 of the Federal Government of Nigeria signed into law in 2014.
While 12 suspects were arrested in connection with the crime, others fled away, including the leader and host of the party, Adeboye Kazeem Ajadi, and have been declared wanted by the police.
According to our reporter, the arrested suspects who are presently in Police custody made confessional statements identifying one Adeboye Kazeem Ajadi as the leader of the group. If apprehended, Kazeem and other fleeing suspects could face imprisonment of 14 years or more, as stipulated by the law.
A spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, who briefed our correspondent on the matter, urged members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects to report to the nearest police station or office of any law enforcement agency.
According to him, “The Osun State Police Command on Saturday, March 16, 2024, raided an alleged gay party and effected the arrest of 12 suspected homosexuals, while others fled and have been declared wanted.
“The raid followed an intelligence report by anonymous residents who informed the police of the flamboyant and unlawful party at a club in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government of Osun State.
“The apprehended suspects following the quizzing of our men made confessional statements, identifying one Adeboye Kazeem Ajadi as leader of the group and sponsor of the party.
“He has been declared wanted, alongside other fleeing suspected and our men have been strategically dispersed to ensure they are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law, in accordance with the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He added, “Meanwhile, we urge anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of Adeboye Kazeem Ajadi and his accomplices to please contact the nearest police station or office of any law enforcement agency to ensure they are apprehended and duly prosecuted.”
