A resident of Warri, Delta State, identified as Jolomi Ogbanghankomi, has come under police investigation for allegedly engaging in acts prohibited under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (SSMPA) of 2014. The law, enacted by the Federal Government of Nigeria, expressly criminalises same-sex marriage, civil unions, and public displays of same-sex affection, with penalties ranging from 10 to 14 years imprisonment.
The incident reportedly occurred on September 11, 2025, when Ogbanghankomi, a 36-year-old young man and a native of Warri South Local Government Area, was allegedly seen kissing another man whose identity is unknown inside a parked car in Warri.
A passerby who witnessed the act is said to have secretly recorded the scene on a mobile device and subsequently reported the matter to the police, submitting the video as evidence.
Police operatives were said to have traced Ogbanghankomi to his residence in Warri after receiving the footage. However, he was not at home at the time of the visit. According to accounts, neighbours alerted him that law enforcement officers had been searching for him in connection with the alleged offence. He has since learned that the police intend to arrest him based on the complaint.
An Advocate.ng investigation revealed that Jolomi Ogbanghankomi might have since gone into hiding with family members or associates, and his whereabouts are unknown. A close friend who spoke to us in confidence said that he might have fled the country to avoid prosecution.
This latest development comes amid heightened public scrutiny over same-sex activities in Delta State. It follows recent reports alleging that over 100 gay couples were caught conducting a mass ceremony in Warri. This incident sparked widespread debate and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of the SSMPA across the state.
As of press time, the Delta State Police Command has expanded its search for Ogbanghankomi. However, legal experts note that public displays of same-sex affection, such as kissing, fall under the prohibitions outlined in Section 4(1) of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, making individuals involved liable to arrest and prosecution once a formal complaint is lodged, and on conviction will serve a 10-14-year jail term.
