The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into an alleged clandestine gathering at a residential property in Lagos following a midnight raid on August 31, 2024.
The operation, reportedly conducted at about 11:30 p.m. following intelligence from residents, led to the arrest of 10 young women who were allegedly attending a private birthday gathering. Police sources said the gathering was suspected to be linked to activities prohibited under Nigeria's Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act.
Among those arrested were 23-year-old Olasumbo Okanlawon and her close friend, Yetunde.
The investigation reportedly took a new turn after Yetunde allegedly told investigators that she had been involved in a secret relationship with the homeowner, Mrs. Osebola Oluwafiropo Maja.
According to the police account, investigators suspect that the alleged relationship may have influenced Mrs. Maja's decision to allow the gathering to take place at her residence and provide financial support to the attendees. Police reportedly recovered evidence of a ₦100,000 transfer allegedly made by Mrs. Maja to members of the group.
Following the development, Mrs. Maja was declared wanted by investigators. Police sources claimed that she had travelled to Canada shortly before the raid, making her unavailable for immediate questioning.
Her husband, Mr. Adebayo Ogunaike, was subsequently questioned by detectives after being summoned from Abuja, where he had been on a business trip. Investigators reportedly found no immediate evidence linking him to the alleged activities and concluded that he was unaware of the alleged relationship and gatherings taking place at the residence.
On September 25, 2024, investigators reportedly extended their inquiries to the residence of Mrs. Maja's daughter, Motunrayo Ajoke, as part of efforts to determine whether the wanted suspect had returned to the country or was being sheltered by relatives.
The police also warned that anyone found knowingly harbouring a wanted suspect or deliberately concealing information about her whereabouts could face legal consequences.
Olasumbo and Yetunde were later arraigned before a magistrate's court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court granted them bail after their sureties were found to have met the stipulated conditions.
However, the two defendants reportedly failed to appear for a subsequent court hearing, prompting the court to issue bench warrants for their arrest.
The case has also generated debate in the fictional state's political circles, with a member of the State House of Assembly calling for the enforcement of court orders and urging authorities to ensure that defendants who violate bail conditions are brought back before the court.
The police have maintained that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being made to locate Mrs. Maja and determine the full extent of the alleged activities.
Authorities said any further legal action would depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation and the outcome of the court proceedings
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