The Lagos State Police Command has launched a manhunt on Olayemi Ige, a 22-year-old man, over an alleged same-sex relationship with Adegboyega Williams, who is currently in police custody.
According to a statement issued by the command, Ige was declared wanted after he allegedly evaded arrest when residents reported his alleged relationship with Williams to law enforcement authorities.
The alleged act contravenes the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, which prescribes a 14-year jail term for anyone found guilty of engaging in same-sex relations in Nigeria.
“They Want to Kill Me, I Ran for My Life” , Ige Speaks from Hiding
In a phone interview with our correspondent, Ige claimed he went into hiding to escape being lynched by angry residents and persecuted by law enforcement officers.
“I fled for fear of my life and freedom because I’m being hunted by my family, my community, vigilante members, and the police due to my sexual orientation,” he said. “I have been harassed, threatened, and now face the possibility of imprisonment for being who I am.”
Ige said his understanding of his sexuality began during secondary school but he suppressed it due to societal and legal restrictions. He recalled how a friend, Michael Osawuta, was allegedly arrested and beaten years ago for similar reasons.
“That incident made me suppress my feelings for years,” he said.
How He Met Adegboyega
Ige narrated that he met Adegboyega Williams at a bar in August 2024. The two became close friends and eventually began a secret relationship.
“We met at a bar close to my house. He approached me and said he’d noticed me several times. We became friends, exchanged contacts, and started hanging out. One night, after drinks, we spent the night together and confessed our feelings. That was how the relationship started,” Ige recounted.
“After we checked into the hotel, I lay down to rest. Suddenly, Adegboyega came to the bed, laid beside me, and tried to kiss me. I was shocked and pulled away.
He smiled and told me he had always been attracted to me but didn’t say anything earlier because he knew I might react badly. After hearing him out, I opened up about how I felt about men and told him about what happened to my friend Michael.
He kissed me again, and we ended up making love that night. It was magical. Years of pent-up sexual frustration melted away in that single night. We started dating from then on, and we kept it secret.”
The Sudden Turn
According to Ige, things took a sudden turn on the 28th of December, 2024.
“I was with Adegboyega when I overheard him arguing on the phone, saying, ‘It’s all over between us.’ When I asked who he was talking to, he said I shouldn’t worry. A few minutes later, he left, saying he had something to handle.
Later that day, I called his phone several times, but he didn’t answer. I became worried because I had never seen him so angry.”
Then came the shock of his life.
“On January 13th, 2025, while I was at work, my brother called to tell me that three police officers came to the house looking for me. They told him I was wanted for allegations of a same-sex relationship with one Adegboyega.
My brother said he told them I was at work, and they asked for my workplace address. He asked me if I knew anything about it, and I said no.”
Ige said that after the call, he immediately took permission to leave work but decided not to return home out of fear.
“I called Adegboyega’s phone, but it was switched off. I went to a nearby bar to clear my head. While there, my colleague called, saying the police had come to my office too. The manager told them I left two hours earlier.
My colleague asked what was going on, and I said I didn’t know. That was when I realized the situation was serious.”
He said he decided to stay with a friend in Ikorodu until things calmed down.
The Police Close In
“The next morning around 7 a.m., my brother called again. He said the police had returned and took him to the station for questioning.
Later, he called me crying, asking why I lied about knowing Adegboyega. I heard police voices in the background. They took the phone and asked me to surrender myself for interrogation. I hung up immediately.”
Ige said he later learned that Adegboyega’s wife had confronted him and exposed his alleged affairs.
“She told neighbors about his involvement with men and showed them naked pictures of her husband and others. Adegboyega was arrested and, during interrogation, confessed to having same-sex relationships with men, including me.”
According to Ige’s brother, Adegboyega claimed that a former lover, who was angry after their breakup, sent the pictures and a letter to his wife as revenge.
“Even though I wasn’t in any of the pictures, Adegboyega mentioned my name. That was enough to put me in danger. Since then, I have been hiding. My family keeps getting harassed.
“My brother and others are being questioned, and I can’t turn myself in because I fear what the police would do to me”, he stressed
In Hiding, Seeking Safety
“My brother also told me that the police are going after all the men Adegboyega mentioned during interrogation. I have been staying with a friend in Ikorodu and trying to find a way out of this problem.
I know I cannot remain in Nigeria because of Adegboyega’s confession”, he added
Ige also confirmed that he sustained minor injuries while running from the scene during his first escape and later received medical treatment.
When asked about his current whereabouts, Ige declined to reveal his location, saying he is not safe.
“I don’t feel safe anywhere right now. If I am caught, I will be jailed or killed”, he said
As of the time of filing this report, Olayemi Ige’s whereabouts remain unknown.
[04/11, 07:18] Bro Hakeem Blueprint: In Hiding, Seeking Safety
“My brother also told me that the police are going after all the men Adegboyega mentioned during interrogation. I have been staying with a friend somewhere in Ikorodu.
Ige also confirmed that he sustained minor injuries while running from the scene during his first escape and later received medical treatment.
When asked about his exactly location Ige declined to reveal his location, saying he is not safe.
Ige last known whereabouts is in Ikorodu but as of the time of filing this report, Olayemi Ige’s exact location remain unknown.