A Nigerian man, Aseperi Emmanuel Oluwabunmi, is allegedly being sought by law enforcement authorities following reports made by family members accusing him of engaging in same-sex relationships, according to accounts obtained by this reporter.
Multiple sources familiar with the matter say Aseperi’s troubles began years ago after his sexual orientation became known within his family and local community. Individuals close to him allege that the disclosure triggered violent reprisals from relatives, including a serious physical assault by an uncle that reportedly left him with a permanent hand injury and threats to his life.
After the incident, Aseperi is said to have lived discreetly for several years, later travelling abroad in 2016. While outside Nigeria, sources claim information about his private life was relayed back to family members through religious contacts, reigniting tensions and threats. Family pressure reportedly mounted for him to return home and conform to social expectations, including marriage.
Shortly after returning to Nigeria in May 2022, Aseperi was reportedly arrested by police following complaints filed by relatives. According to accounts from those familiar with the arrest, officers accused him of engaging in homosexual acts both within Nigeria and abroad. While in custody, he was allegedly beaten and pressured to admit to the accusations. He was later released after family intervention.
Nigeria criminalises same-sex relationships under both federal law and, in some states, religious statutes. Human rights organisations have previously documented cases in which family members report suspected LGBTQ relatives to authorities, sometimes leading to arrests or abuse.
Following his release, Aseperi was reportedly compelled by family pressure to enter into a marriage with a woman, a move described by sources as an attempt to deflect further scrutiny and protect family reputation. Despite this, police interest allegedly continued.
In December 2022, Aseperi was again arrested after police reportedly entered a hotel room where he was meeting a male acquaintance. Sources claim officers told him he had been under surveillance. While being transported to a police station, he allegedly escaped and went into hiding in Port Harcourt, fearing further arrest or violence.
Subsequent information obtained by this reporter suggests that law enforcement’s interest in Aseperi did not end there. Individuals in his community claim his name later appeared in a local publication in connection with allegations relating to same-sex activity, though official police records confirming this could not be independently verified.
Attempts to obtain a comment from Nigerian police authorities on whether Aseperi Emmanuel Oluwabunmi is formally wanted were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Family members contacted declined to comment.
The case highlights the complex intersection of family power, social stigma, and criminal law in Nigeria, where accusations tied to sexual orientation—whether proven or not—can rapidly escalate into police action, vigilante threats, and forced compliance with societal norms.
As of publication, Aseperi’s current whereabouts remain undisclosed for safety reasons.
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