Residents of an Edo community were thrown into confusion after a man identified as Osoikhia Emmanuel Omobhio, 41, fled his neighbourhood following a mob attack and a subsequent police manhunt linked to allegations of same-sex activity involving him and his male partner, Kelvin.

According to information gathered from community sources and details said to have been provided by Kelvin during police interrogation, the incident occurred on October 29, 2024, when neighbours reportedly caught the two men in a compromising situation inside Omobhio’s apartment.

Trouble began when a neighbour allegedly barged into the room and raised an alarm, prompting other residents to storm the apartment. Witnesses told reporters that the crowd descended on Omobhio and beat him severely before someone alerted the police.

Sensing the growing hostility, Omobhio reportedly fled the scene as the mob continued to pursue him, shouting “thief!” to incite passers-by to stop him. In an attempt to escape, he is said to have jumped over a fence and sprinted across the street before being knocked down by an oncoming vehicle, resulting in a broken leg.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted and treated for about a month before being discharged on November 29, 2024. By the time he regained consciousness and recovered enough to move, news had already spread that the police had arrested Kelvin and declared Omobhio wanted for questioning over alleged same-sex acts.

Fearing arrest and further attacks from residents who had circulated his identity, Omobhio reportedly left Edo State to unknown location.

Police authorities in Edo State urge the general public to please provide any information that can help the investigation about Osoikhia Emmanuel Omobhio whereabout.