A burial ceremony in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, turned violent after a middle-aged old man, Ikedi Ugochukwu, was brutally attacked by his step brothers over allegations of engaging in homosexual activity.
Ikedi, who it was gathered, resides in Asaba, Delta State, had returned to his hometown for his late father’s burial held last Wednesday.
According to community sources, he was allegedly caught on hidden security cameras having sexual relations with a male visitor at his uncle’s residence, where he had been accommodated due to overcrowding in the family compound.
Rather than confronting Ikedi directly, the uncle reportedly informed the step brothers, Uzochukwu and Chinonso, who went to Ikedi’s mother’s room and allegedly assaulted him with machetes and clubs.
He was however, rescued in critical condition by concerned neighbours and rushed to a nearby hospital, narrowly escaping death.
Speaking to our reporter, Chinonso, who did not deny the said assault, described Ikedi’s alleged involvement in homosexual activities as sacrilegious and a disgrace to the family and community.
“This is not the first time he has been caught,” Chinonso claimed. “He was once sent away by his master in Onitsha for a similar offense. He has continued to bring shame to this family. It’s better he’s dead than for him to keep disgracing us.”
When contacted, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the incident. “Yes, the matter was reported to the divisional police headquarters in Ihiala. Investigation is ongoing,” he stated without providing further details.
The recent attack has further highlighted the dangerous realities faced by individuals accused of homosexuality in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships remain criminalized and heavily stigmatized.
Recall that the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill was signed into law on January 7, 2014, by former President Goodluck Jonathan. The law criminalizes public displays of affection between same-sex couples and imposes a 14-year prison sentence on anyone who indulges in a same-sex relationship
