Man declared wanted in Delta community over alleged promotion of homosexuality

A man identified as Oghenekaro Ovie reportedly came under intense scrutiny and hostility in his community in Delta State, Nigeria, in 2013, after allegations surfaced that he was homosexual and involved in promoting same-sex relationships, triggering widespread backlash among residents.

According to community sources, the allegations sparked outrage and deepened existing social tensions, with some residents openly condemning his alleged actions.

The situation reportedly escalated as local sentiment turned hostile, reflecting the strong opposition to homosexuality within the community and broader Nigerian society.

Nigeria operates under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014, which criminalises same-sex relationships and prohibits the public advocacy or promotion of such relationships.

Although the law was enacted after the reported incident, societal attitudes towards homosexuality were already largely intolerant at the time, particularly in conservative communities.

Reports indicate that Ovie was subsequently declared wanted by community members, with warnings circulated that he could face arrest, detention, or violent reprisals if apprehended.

Residents were reportedly urged to alert law enforcement agencies immediately if he was sighted anywhere in the country, amid fears that tensions could escalate further.

Human rights observers have raised concerns over the development, noting that individuals accused of same-sex relationships in Nigeria often face harassment, social exclusion, and threats to their safety, sometimes without formal legal proceedings.

They caution that community-driven actions can expose individuals to grave danger.

Advocates stress that while Nigerian law criminalises same-sex relationships, no citizen should be subjected to mob justice, death threats, or unlawful violence, insisting that all allegations must be handled strictly within the bounds of the law.