Police Declare Nigerian Woman Wanted Over Alleged LGBTQ Ties Amid Family Threats
A Nigerian woman, Sarah Uzezi Onyeke, has reportedly been declared wanted by security operatives over her alleged involvement in LGBTQ activities, raising fresh concerns about her safety should she return to the country.
Sarah, who is currently believed to be residing in the United Kingdom, is said to have fled Nigeria in 2023 following a series of threats linked not only to her sexual orientation but also to a prolonged family dispute involving her late father’s relatives.
Her mother, Onyeke Rose, had earlier raised alarm over alleged harassment and intimidation by her late husband’s brother, who she accused of attempting to force Sarah into a traditional marriage and subject her to female genital mutilation (FGM).
According to an affidavit filed at a Customary Court in Ogwashi-Uku, Rose claimed that the crisis began after the death of her husband, Christopher Onyeke, when his brother, Azino Onyeke, allegedly took control of family decisions.
She alleged that Azino insisted Sarah must marry a chief of his choosing, claiming that the bride price had already been collected. He was also accused of demanding that Sarah undergo a “woman’s rite,” which Rose identified as FGM, an act she strongly opposed due to its health risks and human rights implications.
The situation reportedly escalated into threats and repeated harassment, forcing Rose and her daughter to flee their hometown in Isoko South, relocating multiple times across Delta State and beyond.
Despite these efforts, Rose claimed they were continually tracked and threatened, with warnings that Sarah would be forcibly returned for the marriage and procedure.
Compounding the situation, sources allege that Sarah’s identity as a member of the LGBTQ community drew the attention of law enforcement, leading to her being placed on a watchlist. Same-sex relationships remain criminalized under Nigerian law, contributing to heightened risks for individuals perceived to be part of the community.
Rose stated that the threats persisted even after Sarah relocated abroad, with alleged vows from Azino to ensure her return to Nigeria. She also recounted a recent incident in which the suspect and two unidentified men allegedly stormed her shop in Warri, destroying property and demanding Sarah’s whereabouts.
The widow further claimed that her brother-in-law’s influence within the community has made it difficult to secure protection, leaving her in constant fear for her safety.
Security sources confirmed that a report on the matter has been filed and referred to the relevant authorities. However, concerns remain among rights advocates that if Sarah returns to Nigeria, she could face a combination of legal persecution, forced marriage, and harmful traditional practices.
Observers warn that the case highlights the intersection of cultural pressures, family disputes, and legal risks faced by vulnerable individuals, particularly women and members of the LGBTQ community.
