Two men were reportedly injured following a mob attack in Benin City, capital of Edo State, over an alleged same-sex incident.
Same-sex relationships remain criminalised in Nigeria under Section 214, 516 and 517 of the Criminal Code, as well as the Same sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2014, which prescribes jail term of up to 14 years for offenders.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on June 16, 2025, during a party held at Ramat Park area in Benin City.
Sources said that trouble started after the party when the two men, identified as Okafor Ejike Kingsley and Innocent Idemudia, reportedly retired to a room. An individual was said to have walked in, saw them and raised an alarm, which attracted people at the venue.
An eyewitness told our correspondent that the alarm drew the attention of several youths, who descended on the duo. They were beaten seriously. Both of them sustained injuries, and one of them collapsed before they were taken away for the treatment,” the source said.
It was gathered further that the injured men were rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
However, sources disclosed that Okafor Ejike Kingsley fled from the hospital to an unknown location, out of fear for his life.
Meanwhile, the family of Innocent Idemudia was unhappy over the incident, describing it as a disgrace to the family. The family allegedly threatened to deal with Okafor should they set eyes on him again.
As at the time of filling this report, efforts to get official comment from the Edo State Police Command proved unsuccessful.