Police declare Michael Abusomwan wanted for alleged homosexuality

By our reporter

Homosexuality remains a contentious issue in contemporary Nigerian and broader African culture, often regarded as an abomination. Individuals accused of such activities can face severe social and legal repercussions, including public ostracism or violence.

Against this backdrop, the Edo State Police Command has declared Michael Abusomwan wanted for alleged homosexual activities and related offences in the state.

According to a statement from SP Chidi Uwanbuzor, the Public Relations Officer for the Edo State Police Command, Abusomwan was allegedly caught engaging in homosexual acts with his partners, Odion Lucky and Osazee Agues, on January 20, 2023. After an alarm was raised by witnesses, Abusomwan fled the scene to avoid being lynched by an angry mob. The police have since issued a wanted notice for him.

The statement also revealed that three other individuals connected to the LGBT community have previously been placed on the police’s wanted list for their involvement in similar activities. In response, the police have conducted raids on known hotspots in Edo State, targeting individuals suspected of homosexual activities. Many of these suspects remain at large.

It was reported that Osazee Agues, one of the suspects, died after being brutally attacked by a mob practising jungle justice, for an offence they consider highly abominable. As of press time, the whereabouts of Michael Abusomwan remain unknown.

The police have urged anyone with information on Abusomwan’s location to report to the nearest police station. The increasing incidents of homosexual and bisexual activities are seen as a significant concern under Nigerian law, which punishes such actions severely.