Okuku, Osun State – In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigeria Police have arrested 16 students and 5 lecturers from Osun State University following a raid at a welcoming party held at Ariya Global Hotel on the 11th of May, 2024.
The event, which was intended to introduce new students to the campus community, took a dark turn when police discovered that it was centered on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) activities.
A total of five lecturers were involved: Dr. Tunde Ibironke, Dr. Godwin Ramson, Dr. Ibidun Kunle, Mr. Hassan Ibrahim, and Mr. Ibukun Abati. Additionally, eleven final-year students and five new students were taken into police custody. One lecturer and five other students are currently at large. The names of the students in police custody are Seun, Ade, Seyi, Duro, Segun, Ibidun, Ronke, Shina, Durajaye, Emmanuel, and Chukemake (final-year students), while Sikiru, Ade Cash, Olarewaju, Samson, and Idowu are new students of the institution. Among those arrested was the owner of Ariya Global Hotel, Mr. Kukoyi Adebanjo. Authorities have confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court soon after the completion of a thorough investigation.
The police is also searching for Mr. Oluwafemi Akinola and Mrs. Arike Kuti, who has been declared, wanted in connection with this case. Mr. Akinola Oluwafemi, a former manager at Ariya Global Hotel, and Mrs. Arike Kuti, the receptionist of the hotel, are alleged to have played significant roles in facilitating the LGBTQ activities within the community. The incident has sent shockwaves through Okuku, a town with strong cultural and traditional values. Many local residents and community leaders have expressed their outrage and concern over the presence of LGBTQ activities in their area, which they believe could have severe cultural repercussions.
Police spokesperson in the state, SP Yemisi Olawoyin Opalola, stated that the arrests were made as part of an ongoing effort to enforce the laws of the state and protect the cultural integrity of the community. “We are committed to ensuring that the law is upheld and that those who break it are brought to justice,” said SP Yemisi Olawoyin Opalola.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on high alert, awaiting further developments in this unfolding situation. The police asked the Okuku community to cooperate with the police regarding the suspects that are at large.