Man flees persecution after partner’s death in custody

Abiodun Lasisi, a 34-year-old man from Ikirun, Osun State, Nigeria, has lived a life shaped by secrecy, fear, and love. His journey reflects the struggles faced by individuals navigating their sexual identity in a society where such expressions are criminalised and stigmatised.

According to our correspondent, Lasisi’s story of his infidelity began in 2015 during his second year in higher education when his roommate, Bode Thomas, introduced him to a side of himself he had never explored. For Lasisi, it was a moment of self-discovery, but it marked the start of years of secrecy. Coming from a deeply religious family—his parents were mosque leaders—he knew his identity would never be accepted.

For five years, Lasisi and Bode maintained their relationship in secret. The façade came crashing down in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown when his parents walked in on them. Their reaction was one of fury and rejection. Under intense pressure, Lasisi promised to end the relationship. Soon after, his parents arranged his marriage to Ogunyode Sukurat Dasola, hoping to steer him back to a life they deemed acceptable.

Initially, Lasisi attempted to conform. However, as his wife’s pregnancy progressed, his feelings for Bode resurfaced. Their relationship resumed in secret, hidden from his wife and family. But the delicate balance unraveled when his wife unexpectedly caught him and Bode together at their home. Devastated, she left, and his family’s threats escalated, warning him of police intervention.

In December 2024, a visitor to their home inadvertently discovered Lasisi and Bode together, igniting a scandal. Soon after, Lasisi learned that Bode had been arrested. A police friend informed him that he, too, was being targeted. Fearing for his safety, Lasisi went into hiding. Days later, he received the crushing news that Bode had died in custody, reportedly after being tortured for information.

Faced with the loss of his partner and the threat of arrest, Lasisi fled Nigeria, seeking refuge in a safer country. His story underscores the perilous reality for LGBTQ+ individuals in nations where laws and societal norms leave no room for acceptance. Now, Lasisi lives in exile, holding onto hope for a future where he can live openly and authentically.

This story highlights the urgent need for global advocacy and reform to protect individuals like Lasisi from persecution and harm.