Police declare partner wanted as man loses life in Ogheghe mob attack over alleged same-sex incident

2026-02-18 - 09:06

By Ozioruva Aliu BENIN CITY — Tragedy struck the Ogheghe community of Benin City following a violent mob attack linked to an alleged same-sex incident, which resulted in the death of one Osas Joseph, while his alleged partner, Marvis Omoruyi, has been declared wanted by the Edo State Police Command. The incident reportedly occurred after a neighbour allegedly caught Marvis Omoruyi and Osas Joseph engaging in same-sex practice inside Omoruyi’s apartment. Community sources said the neighbour raised an alarm, drawing the attention of youths in the area who allegedly forced their way into the apartment. Eyewitnesses claimed the two men were dragged out of the apartment and subjected to a violent mob assault by angry youths in the community. During the attack, Marvis Omoruyi was said to have sustained severe injuries, with his body reportedly covered in blood. A good Samaritan was said to have assisted him to seek treatment at a nearby pharmacy. However, community sources said Omoruyi never returned after leaving for medical treatment and his whereabouts have remained unknown since the incident. Osas Joseph, on the other hand, was reportedly ruthlessly beaten by the mob before policemen on patrol intervened and rescued him. He was taken into custody for safety, but was later pronounced dead within 48 hours, allegedly from internal injuries sustained during the mob attack. Reacting to the incident, a community elder, Pa James Idemudia, condemned the alleged same-sex act, describing it as a taboo in the community. He warned that such practices were capable of attracting what he described as the wrath of the ancestors, urging youths to shun the act which he also described as evil and contrary to the will of God. Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command, while briefing journalists, confirmed the incident and the death of Osas Joseph following the mob attack in Ogheghe community on 6th July 2025. The Command strongly cautioned residents against jungle justice, stressing that no individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. Police authorities further disclosed that youths allegedly involved in the destruction of Marvis Omoruyi’s residence would be identified and made to face the full wrath of the law. The Command also declared Marvis Omoruyi wanted for alleged violation of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2014, which attracts a minimum of 14 years’ imprisonment upon conviction. Police assured members of the public that investigations are ongoing and urged anyone with useful information on the whereabouts of the fleeing suspect to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, assuring that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.