Residents of Evbotubu Community in Benin City, Edo State, were thrown into tension on January 3, 2026, after a man identified as Precious Kalu was allegedly apprehended while attempting to secretly return to the area to retrieve some of his belongings following allegations of involvement in a same-sex relationship, an act prohibited under Nigerian law, including the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act.
Sources within the community disclosed that Precious had reportedly gone into hiding after allegedly being caught in a same-sex act and subsequently assaulted by angry youths, but managed to escape from the area. It was gathered that on the evening of January 3, 2026, some neighbors allegedly sighted him sneaking back into the community and immediately alerted local youths, who mobilized and intercepted him before he could flee.
Eyewitnesses said the suspect was rough-handled by the youths, who accused him of bringing shame to the community, before he was taken before community elders for questioning.
“He was trying to quietly enter the compound to pick up some personal belongings when some boys recognized him and raised an alarm,” a resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told journalists. “The youths surrounded him and prevented him from escaping.”
Community sources further revealed that after deliberations by elders of Evbotubu Community, the suspect was handed over to the police for further investigation.
Police authorities reportedly took custody of Precious later that night. During interrogation, investigators allegedly questioned him based on information said to have been provided by his wife, Mercy, who accused one Mr. Ayema of being his same-sex partner.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, Precious allegedly confirmed the claims during interrogation and reportedly informed the police that Ayema was currently outside the country.
Speaking with journalists, the Police DPO of Evoutubu divisonal headquarters urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in locating and arresting the said suspect upon his return to Nigeria.
The police spokesperson further reiterated that homosexuality remains prohibited under Nigerian law and advised parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards in order to discourage acts considered contrary to societal and legal norms.
It would be recalled that in January 2014, the former President signed the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act into law, criminalizing same-sex unions, organizations, and public displays of same-sex relationships, with penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment.
