A chilling tale of rejection and persecution has emerged from Lagos, where a young Nigerian man has been disowned by his family and threatened with violence over his alleged sexual orientation.
Victim
According to sources close to the family, the young man, identified as Chukwulotam Emmanuel Chinonso, was attacked alongside another individual, Kalu Chioke Fred, in a vehicle on December 31, 2022. However, the situation took a dire turn when Chukwulotam’s family discovered his alleged homosexuality.
The family, who claim to be traditionalists, have since renounced Chukwulotam and threatened to harm him, citing cultural and traditional beliefs that prohibit homosexuality. “Our culture and tradition do not allow for such practices,” a family member said, on condition of anonymity. “We will not hesitate to take action if he continues down this path.”
Human rights activists have condemned the family’s actions, emphasizing that every individual has the right to their sexual orientation and gender identity. “It’s unacceptable that people are still being persecuted and threatened with harm because of their sexual orientation,” said a human rights activist. “We urge the authorities to take action and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The Lagos State Police Command has been contacted for comment, but no response has been received. The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many calling for greater acceptance and tolerance of the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria.
As the debate continues, concerns about the safety and well-being of Chukwulotam and other LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria remain. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships are criminalized under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014.