Delta electrician fears returning to Nigeria over alleged persecution
Philip Ejohwovbo, a 38-year-old electrician from Delta State, Nigeria, is living in fear of returning to his homeland due to threats to his life and persistent harassment stemming from accusations of homosexuality.
Ejohwovbo, who specialised in residential and commercial electrical work, described how his professional and social interactions have been misconstrued, leading to relentless persecution from authorities and community members alike. His career brought him into contact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ community.
However, these associations fueled false allegations about his sexuality. Sources say his ordeal began on January 5, 2023, when police officers stormed Ejohwovbo’s residence in Warri, Delta State, accusing him of being gay. Despite vehemently denying the allegations and providing evidence of his heterosexuality, including his relationship with his pregnant baby mama and their two children, he became a target of harassment.
“I was arrested and released on bail after five days, but the harassment didn’t end,” Ejohwovbo recounted. “On February 17, police officers demanded 500,000 naira, threatening to jail me if I didn’t comply. They even went through our phones, subjecting us to further humiliation.”
Beyond police intimidation, Ejohwovbo also faced extortion from local thugs, who exploited the rumors surrounding his sexuality to demand money. The persistent threats forced him to flee to Benin City in April 2023 in search of safety.
His fears escalated following the August 27, 2023, arrests at an alleged gay wedding in Delta State, where his name surfaced during police interrogations. Officers subsequently visited his family home, issuing fresh threats.
“They told my partner that the law would catch up with me, no matter where I hid,” Ejohwovbo said, adding that the constant fear has left him living on the run.
Observers say Ejohwovbo’s plight highlights the dangers faced by individuals wrongfully accused under Nigeria’s harsh anti-LGBTQ laws, which often enable extortion and abuse.
