Bisexual Nigerian seeks refuge in the UK, risks death in Nigeria

Chukwuebuka, a pseudonym for his safety, is a bisexual Nigerian student residing in the UK. He finds himself at a critical juncture, torn between fear and hope, and is now contemplating seeking refuge far from his homeland.

Stock Photo for illustrative purposes only.

By Mike Daemon

Under Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA), passed in 2014 under former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, LGBTIQ+ individuals are devoid of legal protection and are subjected to numerous forms of discrimination and human rights violations. This circumstance prompts many in the LGBT community to contemplate permanent relocation to countries that are more accepting of LGBTI+ individuals.

Chukwuebuka, a bisexual Nigerian Christian, is contemplating a similar decision after enduring numerous human rights violations from family members and his uncle upon learning about his sexual orientation.

Despite finding happiness in dating men, Chukwuebuka, like other LGBT individuals in Nigeria, faced mistreatment and discrimination from homophobic individuals, including his own family and conservative kinsmen.

His troubles escalated when he became a local community youth leader. News of his sexuality and relationship with a married gay man spread quickly, leading to threats from his homophobic uncle and eventual suspension from his position by community elders. Subsequently, he faced further humiliation, including public stripping, by community elders questioning his gender identity.

After receiving death threats and an ultimatum to marry or face banishment, Chukwuebuka fled the village but continued to be threatened through phone calls.

Refusing to yield to pressure, he faced harsh consequences, including the kidnapping of his father and a close colleague. His lover, living in the village with his elderly mother, also received death threats, further escalating the danger.

Seeking refuge, Chukwuebuka went into hiding and enrolled in a UK university for his Master’s degree. However, his relief was short-lived as he discovered his lover had been brutally murdered in Nigeria by local extremists known as the ‘unknown gunmen’.

Struggling with depression and unable to confide in anyone due to remaining closeted, Chukwuebuka feels unsafe returning to Nigeria and is seeking asylum in the UK.

Chukwuebuka’s story sheds light on the dire situation faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals in Nigeria and the urgent need for international support and protection for those fleeing persecution.