By Our Reporter
The death of 38-year-old Dennis Uwaneato near Citadel Bar along Amedokhian Road in Uromi, Edo State, has exposed the harsh reality and extreme dangers faced by Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community.
According to an official Police Crime Diary Extract from the Edo State Police Command dated February 17, 2025, Dennis Uwaneato was discovered dead with severe bruises across his body following a Valentine’s Day outing on February 14, 2025, with his partner, Jude Ehiagwina.
Rather than receiving state protection or an impartial investigation into the killing, Ehiagwina immediately became the target of mob anger, vigilante violence, and state persecution.
Following public allegations connecting the two men to a same-sex relationship, Ehiagwina was seized by community members, brought before a traditional council in Uromi, stripped naked, severely beaten with canes and belts, and publicly humiliated.
In Nigeria, identifying as LGBTQ+ or engaging in same-sex relationships carries severe risks. Under the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) 2013, same-sex relations and civil unions are strictly criminalized across the country. Instead of protecting victims from “jungle justice” and mob violence, law enforcement authorities routinely treat sexual minorities as criminals.
Following his ordeal with the traditional council, local police detained Ehiagwina for two weeks before releasing him on bail, leaving him unprotected against further violence.
Upon his release, the situation worsened. Relatives of the deceased, accompanied by paramilitary personnel, tracked Ehiagwina to his residence, physically assaulted him, and openly threatened his life. Shortly after, his employment was abruptly terminated following widespread accusations regarding his sexual orientation.
Further demonstrating the hostility of the legal system, the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Benin City issued an official Wanted Person bulletin on March 15, 2025, declaring Jude Ehiagwina a fugitive. The bulletin publicly listed his offense as “Homosexuality” under the SSMPA, noting that the offense carries a statutory penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment.
”Jude Ehiagwina is involved in same Sex Practice an Offence which Contravene The Nigeria Constitution under Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013 (SSMPA) and attracts a maximum penalty of 14 years Imprisonment.”
— Edo State Police Command Wanted Bulletin (Ref: CB: 2685/EDS/X/VOL.2/469)
Human rights advocates point out that Nigeria’s legal system remains fundamentally partial and hostile toward sexual minorities. When violence or mob actions occur, law enforcement agencies consistently prioritize enforcing anti-homosexuality statutes over investigating homicides or punishing vigilante groups. His case remains a stark reminder of the legal persecution, systemic lack of police protection, and deadly threats confronting gay individuals in Nigeria today
