Tension in Lagos Community as man caught allegedly engaging in homosexuality
A wave of tension has swept through the Somolu Bariga community in Lagos State following the alleged discovery of a man identified as Junaidu Babatunde Ganiyu engaging in homosexuality, sparking a volatile reaction among residents.
The incident, which happened on July 27, 2024, around 11:30 pm reportedly led to agitations and protests from residents of the Bariga community, a highly populated part of Lagos State and one of the ancient towns that accommodate people from all walks of life.
It was gathered that the commotion began when a neighbour caught Ganiyu having sex with his bi-sexual partner identified as Taiwo Ogundele at his private residence.
According to eyewitnesses, emotions ran high as word spread rapidly throughout the community, triggering a swift and intense reaction from a segment of the population.
A mob quickly gathered outside the residence where the alleged incident occurred, chanting slogans and demanding justice. Amidst the uproar, the atmosphere grew increasingly charged with accusations and condemnations directed towards the individual involved.
Stones were hurled at windows, and attempts were made to forcibly enter the premises.
Our correspondent reliably gathered that the reported case has led the entire community to consider expelling individuals involved in the alleged act.
Speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, some residents disclosed that this incident was not the first time such behaviour had been sensed in their community.
They cited previous instances where similar suspicions arose but lacked concrete proof.
The residents expressed relief that tangible evidence had emerged, noting that the discovery of what they perceive as compelling evidence has galvanised community members into considering drastic actions, including expulsion of those implicated in the alleged act.
One of the residents simply identified as Oluwatosin said, “I was so surprised when Musa broke out the news about Ganiyu and Taiwo Ogundele.
“The act being displayed is not only barbaric but also sinful.”
Ganiyu’s wife, Shakirat told our correspondent that her husband is traumatised and faced a lot of physical assault since the news broke out.
She lamented, “Even though I hate the behaviour of my husband and what he was caught doing. The ill-treatment he has faced since the story broke out is really painful to me as his wife. Now, he needs more care and support than I could imagine.”
Several efforts to reach out to Taiwo Ogundele were not successful as he did not pick up his known number, and his whereabouts could not be ascertained.
When contacted, Ganiyu narrated his ordeal, explaining that the incident was the most terrible situation of his life.
While urging Nigeria youths to desist from jungle justice and follow the Western world mode of conduct in handling situations, he added, “I have travelled out of the country and I have seen how people reason and behave, it is this exposure that rekindles my long time want and love
“I should not be crucified nor banished for doing what I love without causing violence or chaos.”
In 2014, the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act became law in Nigeria, and a new 14-year prison sentence was introduced for anyone caught entering into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union.
It also criminalised public displays of affection between same-sex couples, imposing a 10-year prison sentence on those who “directly or indirectly make [a] public show of [a] same-sex amorous relationship”.
It banned gay clubs, introducing a 10-year prison sentence for anyone who registers, operates, or participates in gay clubs, societies, and organisations, including supporters of those groups.
The passing of the law had widespread support, according to surveys, and meant Nigeria had some of the strictest laws against homosexuality in Africa.
The new law, according to a report by Human Rights Watch “officially authorised abuses against LGBT people, effectively making a bad situation worse”.
In 2014, media reports of violence, mob justice and extortion against LGBT people were common and activists say there has since been an explosion in Kito cases since then
