Young mother from Osun state flees Nigeria after bisexuality exposed, family hunted by Police, armed men

The story of Olatomide Olarewaju, a 25-year-old woman born on May 4, 2000, in Osun State, has come to light as another painful reminder of the deep divisions and dangers surrounding issues of sexuality in our country. 

In a detailed account shared with this reporter, Olatomide described a life marked by fear, family pressure, religious “deliverance” sessions, betrayal, and eventual flight from Nigeria with her husband and young daughter. 

Growing up in a strict religious home in Osun State, Olatomide said she realized early that she was different. Same-sex attraction was condemned as evil in her conservative Christian family and community. At 13, while attending St. Margaret’s Girls’ School, she developed a close friendship with a senior student, Rachael. Their hidden relationship was discovered when her mother saw them kissing at the family gate during a Christmas break in 2013.

That same night, her parents took her to a prophetess at the Celestial Church of Christ in Olomilagbala, Ilesha. She was locked in a “deliverance room” for seven days, surviving on only water while prayer warriors allegedly beat her with broomsticks every seven hours to drive out what they called the “lesbian spirit.” Olatomide said she still carries scars on her back and thighs from the ordeal.

Years later, in an attempt to live the life expected of her, she entered a relationship with a man from her church. When old intimate photos of her and Rachael were discovered on her phone, the man reportedly beat her and reported her to her parents, worsening her isolation.

In 2021, at a reunion with her former schoolmates at Elegushi Beach in Lagos, she met Ebenezer. After months of friendship, she confided in him about her bisexuality and past trauma. According to her, Ebenezer, a Christian accepted her completely, believing that sexual orientation is part of how God created a person. They married in April 2022, and their daughter, Pearl, was born in September that year. 

Olatomide also disclosed a previous relationship with a woman named Tope from her time at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. She claimed Ebenezer knew about it and accepted the arrangement, with the three sometimes sharing intimacy.

Trouble escalated in 2025 when Eniola, Ebenezer’s former girlfriend, whose family had expected marriage, allegedly threatened to destroy the union. In May 2025, while Ebenezer was away in Abuja, Olatomide met Tope. Days later, explicit photos of the two women were sent to Ebenezer. Eniola reportedly threatened to forward the images to the police unless Olatomide was removed from Ebenezer’s life.

Fearing arrest under Nigeria’s laws against same-sex acts, the family fled to Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State. Upon their return to Lagos, they found a police invitation letter at their door. Neighbors reported that armed men had visited looking for them. Eniola allegedly admitted on a phone call that she was behind the pursuit.

The family moved between relatives and friends for safety. At Ebenezer’s sister’s house, similar armed men reportedly arrived with sticks and cutlasses, threatening to kill Ebenezer. In Port Harcourt, where they sought refuge with a friend, armed men banged on the door at 1 a.m., calling Ebenezer’s name. The family escaped through the back door with their daughter.

A trusted contact at Panti Police Station in Lagos reportedly confirmed that Olatomide was being investigated for “carnal knowledge against the order of nature.” Tope had allegedly been arrested and tortured, leading to a “confession.”

With no safe place left in the country, the family sold what they could through trusted friends and left Nigeria on November 11, 2025. They made a refugee claim in Toronto, Canada, on November 21, 2025. “I am afraid to return to Nigeria,” Olatomide said in her account. “I know I could be arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to up to 14 years in prison. I fear separation from my husband and daughter, and even greater danger to my life. I do not want Pearl to grow up watching her mother being dragged to prison or visiting me there because of who I am.”

Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act criminalizes same-sex sexual activity with penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment. The 2014 Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act further bans public displays of same-sex amorous relationships and related activities. 

While enforcement is often uneven and many cases involve police extortion, reports continue to emerge of arrests, blackmail, mob violence, and private individuals using the laws to settle personal scores.

Olatomide’s case highlights how personal relationships, jealousy, and the existence of these laws can intersect to put lives at risk. Her husband’s decision to stand by her has reportedly exposed him to threats as well. 

As a family, they say they only want peace and the chance to raise their daughter without fear. For now, they remain in Canada, hoping their refugee claim will be granted so they can rebuild their lives in safety.

This newspaper reached out for comments from relevant authorities but received no immediate response at the time of filing.

The names in this report are as provided in the personal account shared with the correspondent. Some details reflect the narrator’s perspective. This story raises important questions about tolerance, family, faith, and the rule of law in our society.

Readers’ views are welcome.