A Nigerian couple who say they have been living openly as a gay couple has appealed for public support, claiming that their lives are now at risk and asking for help to relocate outside the country.
In a statement circulating online, the couple, who identified themselves as being in a relationship, said they had lived openly as a gay couple but were now facing what they described as threats from people around them.
“Nigerians come and help us, me and my boyfriend Uchendu are not safe,” they said in the appeal.
They claimed that members of their families, neighbours and people at their workplaces were allegedly “after our lives.”
According to the couple, the situation had become serious enough for them to seek assistance in leaving Nigeria and relocating abroad.
Their appeal has drawn attention to concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships remain criminalised under Nigerian law.
The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013 prohibits same-sex marriage and provides criminal penalties for certain same-sex relationships and related activities.
The couple did not provide details in the statement about specific threats they had allegedly received, whether any attacks had occurred or whether they had reported the matter to the police or other authorities.
Their request for assistance therefore remains based on their account, and the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged threats could not be independently verified from the information available.
The appeal comes amid continuing discussions about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Nigerians who fear discrimination, violence or rejection because of their sexual orientation.
For the couple, however, the immediate concern appears to be personal safety as they seek a way to leave the country.
They are calling on Nigerians and others who may be able to assist them to support their relocation efforts, saying they no longer feel safe remaining where they currently live.
