Security agencies in Imo State have declared a man identified as Unamka Kosisochukwu Phillip wanted over allegations of involvement in a same-sex relationship and claims of influencing other young men within the community.

Phillip aged 18 years, reportedly went into hiding after he was allegedly caught in a compromising situation with a male course mate of his identified as Chikata, a long term bi-sexual partner.

Sources claim that both illicit sex partners were caught pants down by a friend of theirs named Moses who promptly raised the alarm that attracted distraught residents to the scene of crime.

Both Phillip and Chikata were badly tortured and bruised by angry and homophobic natives who threatened to set them ablaze before the managed to escape the wrath of the mob.

Phillip’s alleged partner, was recently apprehended and he’s now being prosecuted in connection with the same case as Moses has allegedly volunteered video and pictorial evidence to nail both men under the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that Phillip fled before he could be arrested and has remained at large since then.

A senior officer with the Imo State Police Command confirmed the manhunt, saying; “the suspect is wanted for questioning over alleged unlawful conduct under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2013. Anyone with useful information about his whereabouts should report to the nearest police station.”

Community leaders in his OTU VILLAGE are aghast over Phillip’s behavior and have expressed deep concern, alleging that Phillip had been found to exhibit attitude that detract from expected responsible behaviours.

The have been said to demand from Phillip parents Mr and Mrs Unamka Hillary appeasement items to cleanse the land it the taboo committed by their son before it brings calamity to the community.

“The matter is now in the hands of law enforcement institutions. We just want the law to take its course,” one community elder said.

Recent data and reports show a surge in arrests related to same-sex relationships in parts of Nigeria.

In January 2024, police in Ibadan, Oyo State, arrested four young men at a private gathering following a public tip-off.
In April 2025, a similar case was reported in Kano State, where two suspects were arraigned in court after being caught by community security groups.

Both cases drew national attention and renewed public debate over enforcement of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, which prescribes prison sentences of up to 14 years for convicted persons.

As of the time of filing this report, Phillip remained at large as police sources said efforts are ongoing to locate and question him regarding the allegations.

Authorities have urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in his apprehension.

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