By Franca Jude
The law enforcement authorities in Iguobazuwa and Okada, Edo state have issued a public alert regarding the search for Arhonwman Daniel Osula, Timothy Osarumwense, Nogosa Oghobaghase and Chika Daniel Ndobu, whom they have declared wanted for alleged homosexual activities. The authorities are urging the public to assist in locating these individuals, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in their search efforts and have encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Recent reports have revealed that Osula successfully escaped from police custody in a dramatic turn of events. At the same time, Osarumwense, Oghobaghase and Ndobu are being pursued as prominent figures within the U and Me Alliance Network (U-Man), a suspected organization and a hub for LGBTIQ+ activities operating across the southern region of the country.
The suspects have been accused of playing influential roles in the administration of the movement and advancing the course of LGBTIQ+. Further allegations suggest that numerous individuals apprehended for gay-related offences have admitted their association with the organization, citing them as key figures of the movement. Determined to bring them to justice, security personnel have intensified efforts to arrest them as part of the ongoing crackdown on same-sex relationships.
Sources suggest that many individuals within the bodily diverse communities (LGBTIQ+) have altered their identities and operational strategies to evade law enforcement. Information from police intelligence revealed that the U and Me Alliance Network has ties to international sponsors and foreign allies.
A wave of online commentators has recently voiced their support for the arrest of Henry Imasuen, a prominent figure believed to hold the position of Vice President within a powerful organization. Alongside him is his partner, Arhonwman Daniel Osula. The events leading to their legal troubles trace back to the incident on October 1, 2022, in the bustling town of Okada. Following this incident, authorities declared Imasuen and his former partner, Chika Daniel Ndobu, wanted.
The drama unfolded when a cameraman, Mr. Rueben Osayande, documented what appeared to be intimate encounters between Imasuen and his partner at a lively nightclub close to Okada Junction. This revelation sparked outrage and prompted police intervention, as the alleged assault on Osayande raised serious questions about the behaviour of these LGBTIQ+ members.
Following the incident, security forces intensified efforts to apprehend the suspects. Their pursuit eventually led to the recent arrest of Henry Imasuen and Arhonwman Daniel Osula, who were taken into custody on October 27, 2024. They were reportedly found at a secluded hotel in the Igbuobazuwa town, Edo State, where they had been hiding. A few days later, authorities also detained Rufus Idowu and Clinton Aideyan, alleged members of the same group, at an undisclosed hotel in Okada.
Although Imasuen remains in police custody, reports indicate that Osula managed to escape under mysterious circumstances while being transported to a medical facility. He allegedly collapsed while in detention due to the severe beating he endured during his arrest. Human rights lawyers and legal representatives from P. F. Awo-Osagie & Co. have repeatedly sought his release, but all efforts have been unsuccessful. Police sources claim that the ongoing investigation necessitates his continued detention to avoid compromising the case.
During his interrogation, Imasuen reportedly disclosed that his former partner, Chika Daniel Ndobu, was among the founding members of the movement. He acknowledged that the incident on October 1, 2022, stemmed from internal conflicts within their organization. The former leader, Comrade Nogosa Oghobaghase, the former activist championing minority rights in his days at Igbinedion University, was attempting to regain his leadership position but faced significant resistance from the current leadership.
Comrade Oghobaghase has been advocating for the inclusion of minorities including LGBTIQ+ members in mainstream politics and policymaking to effectively address the diverse concerns and aspirations of the LGBTIQ+ community including issues related to equality, healthcare and social justice. His dogged political ideology regarding LGBTIQ+ representation ultimately led to his removal from the leadership role in December 2023. This decision not only fragmented the organization he once led but also ignited a heated debate about the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals within the political landscape.
Since the public disclosure of his sexual orientation, Oghobaghase has been on the run from law enforcement, raising alarm among his supporters. Many believe that his persecution is less about his identity and more a reflection of the political threats he posed through his advocacy for progressive change. His LGBTIQ+ associates and supporters assert that he is being unjustly targeted not only for his sexual orientation but also as a consequence of his rising influence in politics and his bold initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and advancing the rights of marginalized communities. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for acceptance and representation faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals, as well as the challenges of navigating a political environment still mired in discrimination and bias.
Also, the police authorities believe Ndobu has been evading arrest since the October 1, 2022, incident, in Okada town, which disrupted an Independence Day party hosted by the LGBTIQ+ community. Chaos erupted when an unidentified individual secretly recorded footage of attendees, including scenes of intimate encounters. This led to a violent altercation, with Rueben Osayande being attacked. Following a report to the Okada Police Station, authorities launched a search for the event organizers, as video evidence allegedly captured incriminating activities in the event.
Further revelations surfaced when Ndobu’s ex-wife, Dorothy Ndobu, informed investigators that she had once caught her former husband with Imasuen in their matrimonial bed. She blamed him for their inability to conceive, which ultimately led to their marital breakdown. In response, community leaders in Agbor, his home town reportedly ostracized him from local activities. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown, while security personnel continue their search.
Before disappearing from public view, Ndobu was an outspoken advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights. His work focused on raising awareness about same-sex relationships and other controversial social issues, leveraging his professional career to promote his cause. However, authorities now regard his activism and activities as sufficient grounds for issuing a warrant for his arrest.
A formal petition has been filed by their lawyer for their release. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions and legal challenges surrounding LGBTIQ+ rights in Nigeria, where such matters frequently spark heated opposition. Homosexuality remains a punishable offence in the country, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment for first-time offenders.
