Aliu Lateef, one of two men who reportedly fled after being exposed for engaging in same-sex acts with his friend, identified as Oguntade Seun, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police. The search for Oguntade is still ongoing.
Police spokesperson in the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the arrest in a press release on Monday, stating that Aliu was apprehended in a private apartment in Umuahia, Abia State, where he was allegedly hiding.
Recall that on May 28, 2023, the two friends, Aliu Lateef and Oguntade Seun, were caught in the act in a hotel around the Isheri area of Lagos State. Suspicions were first raised by Aliu’s fiancée, Miss Olowookere, who observed unusual closeness between her fiancé and Oguntade.
With the support of some community members, she closely monitored them until picture evidence confirmed their bisexual relationship, forcing them to go into hiding.
Miss Olowookere stated that the pair had been close since meeting at the Santiago Men’s Club, where both were members, and had allegedly maintained a secret romantic relationship for years despite being married to women.
In contrast, some residents claimed that Oguntade’s wife might have known about her husband’s sexual orientation but chose not to assist authorities in their investigation.
The police, working with local vigilante groups sponsored by community leaders, have launched a coordinated search to locate Oguntade Seun, who they described as a “bad egg” in society. They have called on the public to provide any information that could lead to his arrest so he can face justice like his partner.
Nigeria criminalised same-sex relationships in 2014 under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act. Individuals found guilty under the legislation face arrest and legal prosecution.
Law enforcement officials reiterated the seriousness of the matter and urged anyone with relevant information about the suspect’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station.