A suspected homosexual, one Mr. Celestine Ijeoma is currently on the run following a mob action which nearly claimed his live and that of his suspected gay lovers.
It was gathered that Ijeoma and his lover alongside his other gay friends were caught in the act on early this year, 11th February, 2024 to be precise at Egbema community in the Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria.
According to community sources, Celestine Ijeoma allegedly organized a fun gathering for gay lovers, in preparations for their St Valentine’s Day Celebration before they were descended upon by the angry mob.
We gathered further that the angry mob comprising community vigilante groups, youths and young men inflicted various degrees of injury on the gay lovers but Celestine Ijeoma pretended to be unconscious which gave room for his narrow escape from the mob leaving others to their fate in the hands of the mob.
The gay lovers were allegedly maltreated and taken away to an unknown location by the angry mob who threatened to capital punishment to them for committing such abominable act which they said defiled the land.
Recall that the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act in Nigeria stipulates a punishment of up to 14 years imprisonment for anyone who indulge in the act and a five-year imprisonment penalty for those who enable such ceremonies.
A member of the community who preferred anonymity said it is a sacrilege to be caught in such unholy act as it defiles the land, hence the search for Celestine Ijeoma and others involved in the act.
It was further gathered that members of the community vigilante has mobilized other members of the community in search of Mr. Ijeoma, whom they described as the kingpin and convener of this abominable gathering.
Sources within the community also revealed that Celestine Ijeoma, prior to this day was seen as a very responsible and unassuming man with a successful business and was highly regarded by the community.
In the wake of the incident, the mob had reportedly searched the home Celestine Ijeoma, leaving his wife and children panicky.
It was further learnt that the community and vigilante have made official reports to the Nigeria Police Division in the area citing sections of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) which criminalises same-sex marriage or civil union to back their action.
The police was said to have invited the suspect on several occasions but he has declined and currently nowhere to be found.
The community source calls on members of the public with useful information about the whereabouts of the suspect go report to the nearest police station.
