A Nigerian man, Mr. Adewumi Olawale Adekunle, has reportedly been declared wanted by law enforcement authorities following an incident linked to an alleged same-sex relationship that resulted in the death of his purported partner after a mob attack.
According to information made available to investigators, Adewumi, a native of Ila-Orangun in Osun State, allegedly fled his residence after residents and local vigilante members stormed the premises upon discovering him and another man, identified as Ola Kunle, in what witnesses described as a compromising situation.
The incident reportedly occurred on January 5, 2024, when Adewumi’s wife unexpectedly returned home and allegedly found her husband with another man. The discovery reportedly triggered an alarm that attracted neighbours and members of a local vigilante group to the scene.
Witnesses claimed that the crowd subjected the two men to physical assault before police operatives arrived. During the chaos, Adewumi allegedly escaped through a nearby bush path, while his alleged partner remained at the scene.
Sources familiar with the case said the injured man was later taken into police custody and subsequently transferred to a medical facility for treatment. However, he reportedly died from injuries and complications sustained during the attack.
The development sparked demands from family members and community leaders for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Relatives of Adewumi’s wife reportedly lodged complaints with law enforcement authorities and called for his arrest.
Police sources indicated that investigators were also examining allegations that the incident involved conduct prohibited under Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act. Enacted in 2014, the law criminalizes same-sex marriage and certain forms of same-sex relationships and associations.
Authorities reportedly launched a search for Adewumi after he failed to present himself for questioning. Efforts to locate him were said to have been unsuccessful as he allegedly switched off his mobile phones and went into hiding.
Investigators are also examining claims that the incident generated widespread outrage within the community, where same-sex relationships remain highly controversial due to cultural, religious and legal considerations.
Meanwhile, family sources alleged that the controversy surrounding the incident caused severe emotional distress within Adewumi’s family, with reports indicating that his elderly mother suffered a health crisis shortly after learning of the events.
As of the time of filing this report, law enforcement authorities were continuing efforts to trace Adewumi’s whereabouts while investigations into the death of his alleged partner and the circumstances surrounding the mob attack remained ongoing.
Police have urged members of the public with useful information regarding the suspect’s location to assist investigators as efforts continue to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined in accordance with the law.
