Police on trail of Nigerian gay man who escaped from hospital

The Nigerian Police Force is on the lookout for one Segun John Johnson, who has been declared wanted for his involvement in a homosexual relationship.

Such an affair is a violation of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2013 signed into law in 2014. And the law stipulates a prison sentence of up to 14 years for engaging in homosexual acts.

Johnson was declared wanted after he escaped from an Ondo State hospital, where he was kept under watch by the police.

A senior police officer, who pleaded for anonymity, told our correspondent that Johnson was arrested last April after he was caught with his male sexual partner.

Prior to his arrest, some thugs who caught the duo had attacked Johnson with sticks and stones. But he narrowly escaped death with the police arrival.

“We received a distress call regarding an assault. Had it not been for the swift intervention of the police, the attackers could have claimed his life.

“The incident occurred in Oba-Ile, Akure, towards the end of April.

“Johnson was initially detained but was later admitted to the hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

“A police officer was assigned to guard him, but he managed to escape and is currently at large.”

The Police Force is appealing to individuals who have knowledge of his whereabouts to report to the police immediately.