By Our Correspondent
BENIN CITY — Tragedy struck in Benin City after a man identified as Isibor Ewaen was reportedly beaten to death by an angry mob following the alleged discovery of nude photographs and explicit videos on his damaged mobile phone at a local phone repair shop.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred at a busy shopping complex in Benin City where Isibor Ewaen had reportedly gone to repair his damaged phone.
Sources at the scene disclosed that while attempting to fix the device, a phone technician simply identified as Austin allegedly stumbled upon nude pictures and videos said to contain Isibor Ewaen and another man later identified as Eriagbonye Frank Eghosa.
Shocked by the alleged contents discovered on the phone, the technician was said to have discreetly alerted some of his colleagues, who immediately prevented Isibor Ewaen from leaving the premises.
Eyewitnesses stated that tension escalated rapidly as a crowd gathered around the suspect, subjecting him to intense questioning over the alleged explicit materials found on the device.
According to reports, the mob became dissatisfied with his explanations, after which he allegedly confessed to being involved in a same-sex relationship and identified Eriagbonye Frank Eghosa as his secret partner.
The suspect was also said to have informed the crowd that his alleged partner had already traveled out of the country and that both men had allegedly maintained a secret relationship for several years before his departure abroad.
The alleged confession reportedly infuriated the crowd, leading to a brutal mob attack during which Isibor Ewaen was severely beaten until he sustained grave injuries and was left covered in blood.
However, policemen on routine patrol were later alerted to the escalating violence and reportedly intervened before taking the injured suspect into custody.
Sources disclosed that Isibor Ewaen was subsequently rushed away by the police but was later pronounced dead 11th June 2023.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Edo State Police Command and made available to journalists in Benin City confirmed the incident involving the mob attack on Isibor Ewaen at the shopping complex.
According to the statement, explicit videos and nude photographs allegedly involving the deceased and another suspect identified as Eriagbonye Frank Eghosa were discovered on the phone brought for repairs.
The Command condemned the mob action and warned members of the public against taking laws into their own hands through jungle justice.
The Command also disclosed that Eriagbonye Frank Eghosa, whose alleged pictures were reportedly found on the phone, has been declared wanted in connection with ongoing investigations.
Amid escalating tension in the community, angry youths reportedly vowed to go after the fleeing Eriagbonye Frank Eghosa should he return to the community, accusing him and others of allegedly desecrating the community through their sacrilegious actions.
Under Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013 which criminalizes same-sex relationship, convicted persons risk up to 14 years imprisonment.
