The Lagos Police has declared Abiola Salami, who worked as a sales and marketing officer, wanted for allegedly making same-sex advances toward Adebisi Ojo.
The incident, which occurred in August during a company’s three-day staff outreach in Lagos, alleged that Abiola, who has now been dismissed from her job, attempted to make sexual advances toward her while they were inside a room they shared together in a hotel.
Not comfortable with the whole drama, Adebisi reported the matter to their company management.
After a thorough internal investigation was carried out, Abiola was found guilty of ‘gross misconduct’ by the management, and her appointment was terminated with immediate effect in December 10, 2021.
The matter, however, soon escalated beyond the company. It was reported to the police under Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014, which criminalizes homosexual activities.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Nigeria. The maximum punishment in the twelve northern states that have adopted Shari’a law is death by stoning, while in the south, under the secular criminal laws, the maximum punishment is 14 years’ imprisonment.
Meanwhile, police sources confirmed that detectives visited Abiola’s residence in Ejigbo with a letter of interrogation, but she could not be found.
Her family members expressed shock and disappointment when contacted. One relative, who asked not to be named, said. “We never knew she was involved in such things. This has brought disgrace to our family.”
Also, relatives of Ojo warned Abiola to stay away from their daughter, vowing not to tolerate further contact.
The incident has since stirred heated debate, with many Nigerians insisting that homosexuality remains against the country’s culture, religion, and laws.