By Our Correspondent
OWERRI — The Imo State Police Command has reportedly declared two persons wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged same-sex activities said to have taken place in a remote community in the state.
The fleeing suspects were identified as Christian Kelechi Nwachukwu, said to be from Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, and one David Nzeribe.
An eyewitness in the community who craved anonymity, said the incident allegedly occurred on August 16, 2023, following distress calls reportedly received by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Imo State Police Command from some youths in the community over alleged secret same-sex activities involving the suspects and others.
Police sources disclosed that Christian Kelechi Nwachukwu was allegedly in the company of his partner, David Nzeribe, when some youths in the area, acting on suspicions that the duo and others were involved in same-sex relationships, reportedly stormed the apartment where they were said to be staying.
However, the two suspects were alleged to have fled the premises before the arrival of the youths, while others reportedly found at the location were rounded up and taken to the community town hall pending the arrival of security operatives.
Sources further disclosed that confessional statements allegedly obtained from some of those handed over to the police implicated Christian Kelechi Nwachukwu and David Nzeribe as suspects in the alleged unlawful same-sex activities under investigation.
The Imo State Police Command subsequently declared the two men wanted as investigations into the matter continued.
Security sources further alleged that Christian Kelechi Nwachukwu and David Nzeribe disappeared from the community shortly after their escape in August 2023 and have not been seen since.
The command urged members of the public with useful information concerning the whereabouts of the wanted persons to report to the nearest police station or other relevant law enforcement authorities.
Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013 criminalises same-sex relationships and related activities, prescribing penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment upon conviction.
