Lover’s Arrest Sparks Mob Action, Police Manhunt in Edo

A 29-year-old man, Leonard Bashiru, has been apprehended by police in Agbede, Etsako West local government area of Edo State, following an alleged same-sex act with his partner, one Yusuf Akeem, 31, who managed to escape the scene.

A dependable source revealed that the fleeing Yusuf Akeem is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of a popular fabrication company operating Auchi town and its environs.

The incident reportedly occurred along the Auchi – Lokoja Expressway on Friday, December 15, 2023.

Our correspondent learnt that Leonard Bashiru has confessed to engaging in multiple sexual relationships, including one with Yusuf Akeem, and named three other individuals involved in similar activities. Both men are married but reportedly engage in bisexual behaviour.

According to reports, a truck driver, who had noticed the suspicious behaviour of the two men earlier, raised the alarm, prompting a mob to confront the suspects as they attempted to set Leonard Bashiru on fire but was rescued by a team of police officers.

The arrest triggered outrage, which has lead to a violent mob that attacked the Yusuf Akeem’s metal fabrication workshop in Agbede town.

It was alleged that the mob set fire to the workshop and destroyed two delivery vehicles parked on the premises.

Edo State Police spokesperson, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident and stated that police are actively searching for the fleeing suspect one Yusuf Akeem.

DSP Nwabuzor assured the public that both men will face justice, with Bashiru already in police custody. Nwabuzor also cautioned against vigilante actions, emphasizing that public interference could hinder the ongoing investigation.
He further reminded the public that both men face up to 14 years in prison if convicted under Nigeria’s laws criminalizing same-sex acts.

It will be recalled that similar incidents have occurred in other states such as Delta, Lagos, and Kano, where suspected homosexuals have faced arrest and jungle justice from the public.

The police have urged citizens to let the law take its course and avoid taking matters into their own hands.