Man flees to Canada seeking asylum over anti-gay laws

A Nigerian man, Moses Awele Efienemokwu, has reportedly fled the country to seek asylum in Canada following a manhunt by his family and fears of prosecution over his alleged involvement in same-sex activities.

According to a family spokesperson who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, Moses is being sought for alleged violations of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2014 and Sections 214, 516, and 517 of the Nigerian Criminal Code. 

The spokesperson noted that his actions are viewed as a taboo against the tradition and customs of their people.

The family source revealed that the crisis escalated after Moses was allegedly caught in a compromising position with his partner, one Kingsley David.

In a bid to appease his family and prevent them from reporting him to the police, Moses reportedly entered into a marriage with one Mouh Udochi Peace on October 29, 2023. The ceremony was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, rather than Nigeria.

"The family did not support the marriage as we knew he was using it to deceive us and cover up his same-sex activity. He insisted on Dubai because he feared arrest or detention by the family if he returned to Nigeria," the spokesperson said. 

Sources disclosed that Moses and his partner, Kingsley David, relocated to Canada around November 8, 2023. They reportedly chose Canada over neighboring countries or Dubai, citing the need for a compassionate and inclusive society that protects sexual minorities.

It was gathered that upon their arrival, the pair faced initial challenges, including the theft of a purse containing their mobile phones and approximately 300 Canadian dollars during a disorganized check-in process.

The situation took a tragic turn back home when Moses' father discovered that his son had continued his relationship with David and fled the country.

"When his father realized they had relocated to Canada together, he was heartbroken and tragically took his own life on November 16, 2023," the spokesperson revealed with deep emotion.

The extended family has since blamed Moses and David for the patriarch's death and has issued severe threats, vowing to harm and arrest Moses should he ever return to Nigeria.