Police declare man wanted over alleged gay, religion’s crisis activities in community 

The Nigeria Police Force has officially declared one Mr. Fadipe Opeyemi, a native of Orin-Ekiti in Ekiti State, wanted over alleged involvement in same-sex activities, an act prohibited under Nigeria's 2014 Anti-Gay Law.

According to a declaration letter dated 10th December 2022 from the Ekiti Central Police Station, evidence and information about Mr. Fadipe's alleged gay status and activities with his partner, Mr. Akande Adewale Saheed, were submitted to the Iyaganku Divisional Police Office. 

The police stated that the duo were involved in several gay encounters at Rainbow House, Jakande Estate in Isolo, Lagos, and other locations across the country.

The declaration, signed by ASP Abiodun Ajayi Peter, ordered both suspects to report immediately to the nearest police station to face prosecution under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan in January 2014.

Tragedy, however, struck during a police operation to arrest Mr. Akande Adewale Saheed.

In a related diary extract dated 11th January 2023, the Iyaganku Police Station in Ibadan recorded a death report from Mr. Akande Jimoh, who informed the police of the sudden death of his younger brother, Mr. Akande Dotun.

According to the police entry signed by ASP Thomas Badmus, officers who stormed Adewale’s residence met only his younger brother, Dotun. 

Upon interrogation and his inability to disclose Adewale's whereabouts, Dotun, reportedly an asthmatic patient, collapsed and died on the spot as officers attempted to detain him.

The police have since issued a report to the family to facilitate the release of the deceased’s body for burial arrangements. 

Meanwhile, both Mr. Fadipe Opeyemi and Mr. Akande Adewale Saheed remain at large.