Some residents of Ibadan and surrounding communities have raised concerns over the continued absence of two men, identified as Kolapo Saheed Ademola and Olaiya Ahmed Oriyomi, who were reportedly apprehended in October 2020 over an alleged same-sex encounter and later went missing.
Community members and local groups have called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security operatives in Oyo State to investigate the matter and locate the suspects. They said their request was aimed at ensuring that the law takes its course and that public order is maintained.
Religious leaders in the area have also weighed in on the issue. The League of Imams and Alfas in the Lagelu Local Government Area of Ibadan confirmed that it had written a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, urging the authorities to declare the two men wanted and to reopen investigations into the case.
In a statement, the Chief Imam of Oke-Suna Central Mosque, Imam Abdulkabir Agboola, said the petition was based on religious and moral concerns, adding that the group believed the matter should be handled strictly in line with Nigerian law.
Similarly, a representative of the Agbekoya Vigilante Group in Lagelu, Comrade Badmus Yahya, expressed disappointment over what he described as a security lapse that allowed the suspects to escape after their initial arrest.
He said the vigilante group would cooperate with other security agencies to assist in locating the men if required.
The case has generated mixed reactions within the community, with some residents calling for restraint and due process, while others insist on firm enforcement of existing laws as the acts of same-sex conducts are criminalized in Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Police Command has not issued an official statement on the matter.
Observers have urged all parties to allow security agencies to carry out their investigations professionally and cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions or undermine the rule of law.