The Oyo State Police Command has declared a 38-year-old man, identified as Mr. Olarewaju Sheba, wanted over alleged involvement in homosexual activities, which remain criminalized under Nigerian law. The development follows the arrest of several young men during a police raid at a residence in Odongunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos State, on December 25, 2024.
Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed this on Monday while addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ibadan. According to Osifeso, Mr. Sheba was mentioned during the interrogation of one of the suspects, who claimed Mr. Sheba co-sponsored the gathering but was absent due to a reported family emergency.
“The Oyo State Police Command, in collaboration with the Lagos State Police Command, is investigating a case involving several suspects apprehended in Lagos. One of those questioned, identified as John Omoboyeje, named Mr. Olarewaju Sheba as both his partner and a co-organizer of the event,” Osifeso said.
Mr. Sheba, a former hotel employee in Lagos whose family resides in Ibadan, was last seen at his residence in the Elebu-Akala area. Neighbours confirmed that police officers recently visited the area to gather information, following reports that Mr. Sheba had vacated his home after learning of the ongoing investigation.
Residents in the Elebu community described Mr. Sheba as a quiet and reserved individual, expressing shock at the allegations. However, tensions are reportedly mounting, with some youths in the area threatening to take action should the suspect remain at large. Community leaders have voiced concerns about the perceived impact of the alleged activities on local values.
The police have called for restraint, urging the public not to engage in vigilante action or spread unverified claims.
“We urge the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. Mr. Sheba has not been charged with any offence at this time but is required to assist in the ongoing investigation,” Osifeso stated.
The Oyo State Police Command also warned against any form of intimidation or harassment toward individuals linked to the case. Though the Lagos State Police Command is leading the investigation, Osifeso noted the increasing frequency of similar cases in southwestern Nigeria.
Authorities continue to search for Mr. Sheba and have encouraged anyone with credible information regarding his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station.
The investigation remains ongoing.
