Two men, Arowora Azeez Olawale and his partner, Tajudeen Hassan, have reportedly gone into hiding after being discovered engaging in same-sex activity on 8 February 2025, in the Alagbado area of Lagos State.
Local sources say the pair have been close since childhood, with relatives and neighbours alleging they have maintained a romantic relationship for years despite both being married to women.
A woman who chose to remain anonymous said suspicions were first raised by Tajudeen’s wife, who had begun noticing changes in her husband’s behaviour and started keeping a closer watch on him. She believed he was being led astray by Arowora and was no longer devoted to their marriage. In contrast, some residents claim that Arowora’s wife may have known about the affair but chose not to take any action or alert the authorities.
According to reports, the two men were apprehended in a hotel and handed over to community leaders. However, before any formal steps could be taken, they managed to flee. Since their escape, both men have remained at large. Further raising concern, it has also been reported that Arowora’s wife is now missing.
The police, alongside members of local vigilante groups including the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), have launched a coordinated search to locate the pair, whom they describe as fugitives. Authorities have called on the public to provide any information that could assist in tracking them down.
Nigeria criminalised same-sex relationships in 2014 under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act. Individuals found guilty under the legislation can face arrest and legal prosecution. Law enforcement officials reiterated the seriousness of the matter and appealed to anyone with relevant knowledge of the suspects’ whereabouts to report to the nearest police station.