Nigerian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing the country’s anti-homosexuality laws, declaring that offenders will face the full wrath of the law.
This came after Babajide Tope Joseph was declared wanted alongside three others for alleged homosexual activities dating back to 2003. Joseph was implicated following the arrest of Seun Obatide and three others—Femi James, Morakinyo Olajide, and Fidelis Babalola—on June, 2023.
During interrogation, Obatide confessed to being involved in same-sex relations since his secondary school days. He admitted to luring Babajide Joseph and others into the act in 2003.
Obatide further explained that their relationship continued until 2014 when Joseph traveled to Qatar. However, there was distance in their relationship during the period he relocated to Osogbo to start a family.
Meanwhile, authorities in March 2025 came up again with the matter, saying drastic measures would be taken to apprehend Joseph, pending which Obatide and others remain in custody
Joseph, who is at large and others, are set to face charges under Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, signed into law on January 7, 2014, by then-President Goodluck Jonathan. The law criminalizes same-sex relationships, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
Authorities have vowed to ensure Joseph faces justice upon his arrest, emphasizing that Nigeria’s legal system will not tolerate violations of the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
