Man gets death threats, faces prosecution in Nigeria after coming out as gay

Born in August 1998 in Lagos, Nigeria, Foluwasayo Damilola Ayobami is a brave and ambitious young Nigerian who came out as gay to his friends and family. Unfortunately, his coming out was met with harsh backlash, including rejection and hostility from both friends and some family members.

Nigeria remains a deeply conservative and homophobic country where LGBTQ+ identities are criminalized and harshly condemned. In recent years, members of the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria have faced increasing persecution—including arbitrary arrests, police brutality, mob violence, extortion, harassment, and denial of basic human rights. The country’s laws, particularly the Criminal Code Act and the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2013 (SSMPA), impose penalties ranging from 14 years in prison to, in some extreme cases under Sharia law, death by stoning.

Since coming out, Damilola has found acceptance and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. However, he continues to face relentless threats to his safety, including death threats, public humiliation, and fear of arrest. His right to live freely and without fear has been stripped away. A violent attack by a gang left him hospitalized—a traumatic experience that forced him to flee the country for his own safety.

In a recent conversation, Damilola shared: “I came out as gay because I felt like I was living in the shadows, pretending to be someone I wasn’t just to please my family and friends. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and I hoped they would understand and support me—but I was wrong. Since then, I’ve been threatened, beaten, and even arrested simply for being who I am. I had no choice but to leave, just to survive. But I refuse to hide. I am gay, and that doesn’t change who I am. I am still ambitious, I love God, I love my family and friends. I just hope that one day, LGBTQ+ people everywhere will be treated with love, respect, and dignity—we deserve to be seen as human beings, just like everyone else.”