A Nigerian man sought by police amid disputed sexuality claims raises concerns about family pressure, policing, and human rights protections

Nigerian law enforcement authorities are allegedly seeking Aseperi Emmanuel Oluwabunmi following reports made by family members accusing him of engaging in same-sex relationships, according to accounts obtained by this reporter.

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Sources familiar with the matter said the allegations surfaced within Aseperi’s family several years ago, triggering intense hostility and threats.

Those sources alleged that a confrontation with a relative resulted in a serious physical assault, leaving him with a lasting hand injury and forcing him to live discreetly.

After the incident, Aseperi reportedly left Nigeria in 2016. While he was abroad, information about his private life was allegedly relayed to family members through religious contacts, reviving tensions and pressure for his return.

Upon his return to Nigeria in May 2022, Aseperi was reportedly arrested by police following complaints filed by relatives.

Sources said officers accused him of engaging in homosexual acts within and outside Nigeria.

He was later released after family intervention, according to the same accounts.

Nigerian law criminalises same-sex relationships, a framework that rights groups say has been used in some cases to justify arrests following family reports.

Following his release, Aseperi was reportedly pressured by relatives to enter into a heterosexual marriage.

Sources described the move as an attempt to reduce scrutiny and shield the family from social stigma.

Despite this, police interest allegedly continued. In December 2022, Aseperi was said to have been arrested again after officers reportedly entered a hotel room where he was meeting a male acquaintance.

Sources claimed he escaped during transportation to a police station and went into hiding, citing fears for his safety.

Subsequent information obtained by this reporter indicated that his name later appeared in a local publication in connection with allegations related to same-sex activity, although official police confirmation could not be independently verified.

Efforts to obtain comments from 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 underscores the fraught intersection of family authority, social stigma, and criminal law in Nigeria, where unproven allegations tied to sexual orientation can rapidly escalate into police action and personal risk.

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Aseperi’s current whereabouts were not disclosed for safety reasons.