Some Muslim faithful along with native vigilance groups in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government area of Edo State, are said to be on the trail of one Ediri Foster Oteri, over alleged gay practice he is believed to have been perpetrating in the last three years.
Oteri, a Warri-born 26-year old man, according to investigations, started out in 2021 by aiding and abetting homosexual relationship between his bosom friend, Habib Jimoh, who is now deceased, and a fellow male, Julius.
Subsequently, he was also said to have taken up the act with Habib after Julius backed out owing to family pressure and regular taunts from contemporaries.
Already, Islamic adherents in Auchi and adjourning communities are said to have set a manhunt for Oteri, who has reportedly gone into hiding.
The suspect, if apprehended, risks upwards of 14-year jail term, as the Ngerian law forbids homosexual practice.
It was gathered that since they had been neck-deep in the act, some Muslim fanatics have been particularly been on their trail.
“They were actually sighted by some youths who beat up the two gay lovers and their accomplice, Oteri .silly but Oteri tried to justify the act by saying what they were doing was an expression of true love.
“Indeed, the culprits were caught on camera by the youths who recorded how they were kissing and groaning in ecstasy.
“They did not deny the act as they admitted that they had been dating each other for a long time.
“Indeed, the gay mates, including Oteri, openly defended the action, saying any law against gay practice should be resisted as it is an infringement on fundamental human rights,” a community source who asked not to be quoted owing to the sensitivity of the issue, disclosed.
However, Julius reportedly backed out from the practice as a result of family pressure and taunts from his peers and Oteri soon turned out a new homosexual mate to Habib, it was gathered.
Subsequently, some Muslim adherents reportedly invaded the home of Oteri during which they battered him and he was hospitalised.
Curiously, Habib was murdered last year under befuddling circumstances, forcing Oteri to run for dear life by going into hiding, investigations revealed.
