Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Edo State Security Network (ESSN), and other sister security agencies, carried out a joint raid at a hotel (name withheld), where over 13 individuals were arrested including a top LGBTQ+ member while attending a birthday party.
The top LGBTQ+ member is identified as Osas Okungbowa, who is also referred to as ‘Shine’ in the LGBTIQ+ community due to his position as a top member and was arrested in Egor Local Government Area in Edo State.
Police sources said Osas Okungbowa has been on the trail of the police for some time and was arrested in the raid; and the suspect said he was involved in same-sex relationships and appealed for mercy.
He added that he was introduced to the lifestyle by one of his lovers,Timothy Osadolor, who he said escaped to exile in April 2022 after getting involved in a fight and declared wanted by the police.
Collins Obiajunu who was also arrested is helping the police with relevant information that will lead to the arrest of other fleeing members who said he never wanted to attend the party, but his lover, Idris Mohammed convinced him to, but now has been arrested, while Idris escaped arrest.
Collins, who felt abandoned and dejected by his lover Idris, said he was left to himself, as the police are holding him. He noted that he has been abandoned in this situation alone showing that Idris never loved him after being together for more than 5 months, but rather exposed him to ridicule.
“Idris told me about his relationship with his former lover Agho Efosa who also was involved in a similar situation as his. Idris told me that he never heard from Efosa again but now I believe Efosa was abandoned, redicule. He was never there for him when he was needed. Same situation I have found myself now. I know it will be difficult to come out of this situation because this lifestyle is unacceptable in Nigerian society as he plead for mercy.
He added that Idris has been using his father’s influence to evade arrest anytime he runs into trouble and I see that situation playing out here again as he is nowhere to be found.
Lilian Yetunde, another suspect arrested, said she was brought up in a Christian family but was influenced by peer pressure while in a boarding school.
Her emotional voice appealed for mercy, saying her family would be ashamed of her behaviour if they found out about her involvement in the act, as the soft-spoken lady shed tears while being interviewed by reporters in front of the police.
Sukomi Oyebanji said his parents trusted their pastor, who he alleged is homosexual and under his care introduced him to this lifestyle.
With tears in his eyes, Oyebanji explained that the pastor (name withheld) succeeded because his parents, who could not care for about eight children they gave birth to, sent him to live with the pastor, who took advantage of him and abused him.
He said he did not dare tell his parents, who would never believe his story because they trusted and revered the pastor. Religious leaders are trusted and revered in this part of the world (Africa), and as of this report, the pastor has yet to be invited or arrested by the police.
During the raid, some of the suspects escaped from the scene using the back entrance to the building, while security agencies picked up those who were not lucky, and some of those arrested said they were involved.
Those arrested alongside Osas Okungbowa include Osaro Obazuaye, Osadiaye Paul, Collins Obiajunu, Kelly Odeh, Bayo Daremola, Lilian Yetunde, Bisola Akeem, Jolomi Koyomo, Ajibade Alex, Afolabi Abimbola, Sukomi Oyebanji, Azeem Aziz and Owolabi Hameed.
At the time of filing this report, the investigation into the incident is still ongoing. The relevant authority said it would arrest all those involved in the act and warned that this part of the world cannot be used to further the agenda of LGBTIQ+.
It also warned that anyone or any group of people who intend to promote the activities of LGBTIQ+ should rethink, as the Nigerian police have all it takes to bring anyone who engages in such activities to justice.
