The increasing incidence of same-sex sexual relationship in Nigeria is fast taking a new dimension as opponents of same-sex culture are now bent on severely punishing any offender even with death.
Few days ago one of such suspected offenders in Imo State who was identified simply as Chinyere was arrested by a group of angry youths and police operatives for indulging in same sex relationship with one Miss Onyinyechi Maria Njoku who is said to have fled Nigeria for overseas.
Some reliable sources in Aboh Mbaise, Imo State told our correspondent that following repeated reports to the community leaders about the suspected involvement of Chinyere and Onyinyechi in lesbianism, palace chiefs of the Community on behalf of the Eze (King) ordered the community youths and vigilante operatives in collaboration with police men from the Imo State Police Command to arrest Chinyere and Onyinyechi for same-sex related offenses.
On the 17th October, 2024 precisely, the group went to Onyinyechi’s family home. Incidentally, she was not met at home as she had earlier left the country without the knowledge of those who ordered her arrest. When the mob stormed her family residence and enquired fruitlessly about her whereabouts, some of them had reportedly resorted to instant attack on whoever was present among the family members as it was believed that they were hiding her.
Even neighbours who tried to intervene were not spared from the violent attack which was unleashed on the family members by the mob as they could not make Onyinyechi available. Onyinyechi’s father, Okenze Njoku who is traditional title holder in the Community and one of her brothers were said to have been badly injured even as some items in the home were looted by the angry youths.
The violent mob also went to Chinyere’s home where she was instantly beaten up, injured and subsequently arrested. A close family source told our correspondent that her present health condition as at last weekend could not be ascertained as the police had not allowed any one access to see her.
It is feared that the police authorities may be preparing charges against her for possible arraignment in court to be tried for same-sex related offenses which attract no less than 14 years imprisonment if the offender is lucky not to have been stoned or burnt to death at the point of apprehension.
According to a source, Onyinyechi’s case is worsened by the fact that when her family members discovered her sexuality, they were enraged and terribly embarrassed and also ashamed of such conduct which has invariably stigmatized their good family name. Her father holds a first class traditional title in the Umuhu community, a one time traditional prime minister.
It was gathered that Onyinyechi’s family has completely rejected and disowned her for what they call ignoble and shameful act that does not befit any member of the Njoku family. The family considers Onyinyechi as having committed an abomination and taboo in the community.
Currently in Nigeria, same-sex practice and LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexuality,Transgender and Queer) offenses carry severe punishments including up to 14 years imprisonment on conviction. In some circumstances, suspected offenders may not be lucky to escape instant mob action which had severally resulted in stoning to death of offenders by the angry youths.
Our correspondent could not get confirmation of the incident from the spokesman of the Imo State Police Command when he called. He was said to be away on training outside Owerri and his Deputy, an Assistant Superintendent of Police declined comment as he claimed not to have been properly briefed by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Aboh Mbaise division.