The Edo State Police Command has declared one Osayi Blessing Anikwu, Female, 43 and Blessing Ebuh, 43 Female, wanted for allegedly involved in lesbianism act contrary to same-sex marriage prohibition Act 2013 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria signed into law in 2014.

The indecent act which allegedly occurred on December 15, 2023 took place at Flat 2, 29 Osamwonyi Street, Off Mela Motel Road, Uselu, Egor LGA. Benin city, Edo State, Nigeria involving Osayi Blessing Anikwu and her partner Blessing Ebuh. The nefarious act was reported to the Police Command on May 10, 2024.

In a statement, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kolawole Kazeem of the Department of Criminal Investigation and intelligence, quoting an intelligence report, explained to journalist in Benin city, that on December 15 2023 at about 09:30hrs, both female were allegedly caught engaging themselves in the unlawful same-sex sexual act in violation of the same-sex marriage prohibition Act 2013, and that all efforts to bring them to justice have been unsuccessful as all attempt to contact them in order to get their own side of the matter proved abortive as friends and relatives claimed not to know their whereabouts. He explained that the Command vowed to smoke the two wanted women out of their hiding to make them face prosecution.

The statement reads: “in accordance with the law banning homosexuality, the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State has declared Osayi Blessing Anikwu Female, 43 and Blessing Ebuh, Female, 43 wanted. They are from Benin City, Edo State and they are on the run following their involvement in the act. Intelligence report reaching this Department indicated that the two friends, Osayi Blessing Anikwu and Blessing Ebuh are married with children and have been engaged in this nefarious act since their days in secondary school in Benin City, before they were caught fondling with each other’s breasts, touching and licking each other’s virginals and making love with sex toys on December 15, 2023 by one Miracle Anikwu, who the command learnt was very close to them and an in-law to Osayi Blessing Anikwu. The nefarious act was however, reported to the Command on May 10, 2024.”

kolawole revealed that both women are still at large and have therefore been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police Force.

“We hereby declare Osayi Blessing Anikwu and Blessing Ebuh wanted consequent upon the breach of the same-sex prohibition Act 2013 signed into law January 7, 2014”.

They were alleged to have engaged in lesbianism practice. “Anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of Osayi Blessing Aniku and Blessing Ebuh leading to the arrest of both women should please contact the nearest police station for a handsome reward as they have been declared wanted by the police.”

All attempt to contact them in order to get their own side of the matter proved abortive as friends and relatives claimed not to know their whereabouts”.

The state police spokesman also warned that male and female homosexuality remain prohibited in the state and the country. Stating that he will do everything within his capacity to ensure that the state is free from homosexual activities and bring any and all violators to book.

Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited in Nigeria under the Criminal Code Act and the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013 (SSMPA). It attract a penalty of 14 years imprisonment.