Since the passage of the law criminalizing same-sex activities in Nigeria, arrests, maiming, killings, blackmail, extortion, stigmatization, discrimination, and violence by both state and non-state actors have forced those involved to go into hiding for fear of persecution or imprisonment.
Such is the case of 26 year-old Lucky Iyamabor, who was allegedly caught in the act of homosexuality with Sheldrake James on December 10, 2021, in an apartment in the Eyaen community of Benin City.
According to reports, Sheldrake James girlfriend witnessed him and Lucky Iyamabor engaging in same-sex activity during Lucky’s birthday celebration at the apartment. She raised an alarm, alerting residents and local youth, who reportedly beat the duo before handing them over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Benin City for questioning.
However, Lucky later escaped during his transportation to court, and the police have since declared him wanted.
He is also said to have been banished from his community due to his alleged involvement in what has been described locally as a grievous act.
Homosexuality is considered a serious offence against the cultural and spiritual values of the land. It is also criminalized under the Edo State Criminal Code, which prohibits any form of same-sex relationships, including “domestic partnerships,” “caring partnerships,” or “adult independent relationships” between two individuals of the same sex. The law also criminalizes public displays of affection, such as kissing, between same-sex partners, with lengthy prison sentences prescribed for those convicted.
