Police Kill Two Suspects, Hunt LGBT Advocates in FCT

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have killed two men suspected to be advocates of same-sex rights and are on a manhunt for others allegedly involved in organizing a protest for the recognition of LGBT rights in Nigeria.

The two men, identified as 40-year-old Mr. Monday Inyang Okon and Mr. Kelvin Osadegbe, were killed in separate incidents. Osadegbe was trailed and killed in the Gwarimpa area of Abuja on May 30, 2022 while Inyang was shot to  death on August 2, 2022.
 
Those currently in police custody in connection to the protest include Stellamaris Edwin Ojonuga, Daniel Nyam and Abdul Rahman Philimon.
 
The trio now helping police in their investigation were arrested after intelligence unmasked them as among  organisers of the protest.
 
The police named Okosa Mbakara Osei, Udoh Peter Edet, Amarachukwu Uchenna and Adankala Joseph as among the protest organisers on their wanted list.
 
The protesters had allegedly planned to storm the National Assembly to demand recognition of the Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community’s rights in Nigeria.
 
According to ASP Daniel Y. Ndirpaya, the spokesperson for the FCT Police, the operation was successful through intelligence gathered by the Gwarimpa Police Division.
 
He confirmed that the protesters, who had initially gathered to push for LGBT rights, were dispersed using teargas, and the authorities are now intensifying their search for key organizers.
 
“The protesters had planned to storm the National Assembly. We will not tolerate any public demonstrations pushing for same-sex rights, which are outlawed in Nigeria. The law is clear, same-sex activities carry a 14-year prison sentence, and anyone advocating for such will face serious consequences,” Ndirpaya said.
 
ASP Ndirpaya also said that the police authorities will not condone any form of public advocacy for same-sex marriage or activities, which remain illegal in the country.
 
Same-sex acts are criminalized in Nigeria under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, with offenders facing severe penalties, including imprisonment.
 
Authorities are continuing their search for the remaining suspects, and those captured during the protest are expected to face charges.
 
The crackdown on LGBT advocates and their activities highlights the ongoing tension in Nigeria regarding the issue of LGBT rights, with law enforcement agencies showing a zero-tolerance approach to any efforts to push for legal recognition of the LGBT community.