Victoria Abimbola Oladele declared wanted as Police arraign 22 suspects over lesbianism and unlawful gathering at Lagos Magistrate Court

The Nigeria Police has arraigned 22 suspects accused of lesbianism and unlawful gathering at the Lagos State Magistrate Court, sitting in Igbosere.

The 22 suspects were slammed with a four-count charge bothering on illegal same sex association, unlawful gathering, threat to public peace, and resisting arrest. The Police also declared four other suspects wanted.

According to the prosecutor, the suspects were arrested at a hotel in the Ajah Area of Lagos State, while Victoria Abimbola Oladele, among others were declared wanted following a tip off about a suspected lesbian sex party.

The charge read: That the defendants, on the 27th day of February 2022, at the Orchid Hotels, situated at No. 24, Okoye Martins Street, off Lekki-Ajah Road, in the Ajah Area of Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did engage in lesbian activities by having canal knowledge of yourselves, against the order of nature and law, thereby committing an offense punishable under Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

Recall that Nigeria passed the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act in 2013, which took effect in January 2014. The act provides for 14-year prison sentences for any individual who engages in homosexual “civil union.” The definition of civil union, however, is vague and can therefore be applied to anyone engaged in any homosexual behavior.

The Police was said to have also declared four other suspects wanted over the same charges. The Police said they evaded arrest and escaped. According to the Prosecutor, the suspects said to be at large are: Victoria Abimbola Oladele (28), and Judith Adeji (26). Marian Joseph (26), Edeghonghon Emmanuella Oribhabor (36).

The Prosecutor told journalists that the Commissioner of Police in the State has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspects, who are currently at large. He said their identities were confirmed with the cooperation of some of the arrested suspects.

He said: “Anyone with useful information should report at the nearest Police Station. The Police is determined to rid the State of lesbianism and all forms of gay activities in Lagos. A confidential reward is also available for anyone with useful information which might lead to their arrests.”

Meanwhile, during the arraignment of the 22 suspects, they all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their counsel, Barrister Ehiko Onoche moved for the court to admit them to bail. This was however denied by the court on the ground that the case was a serious one with government interest and that the defendants may jump bail since the charges against them included resisting arrest in the first instance.

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The court subsequently adjourned the matter for hearing, while ordering the suspects to be remanded at the correctional centre till the day of hearing of the matter.