Gay Suspect Escapes Police Custody, Police Begin Manhunt
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has begun a manhunt for a 25-year-old man who it said has absconded from its custody, after being arrested on charges of alleged involvement in homosexuality.
A senior officer in the Rivers State Police Command, who preferred anonymity as he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed to Kristina Reports that the alleged case of homosexuality involved a 25-year-old man identified as Daminabo Peterside.
According to the source, the suspect was arrested by a police patrol team on August 30, 2020, while being confronted by an angry mob along the Okrika Waterfront area of Port Harcourt Township.
The source further revealed that the suspect, who is now at large, was accused by members of the public of engaging in homosexual activity with another man who reportedly escaped the scene.
Another top Police source said the arrested man was found in a critical condition and was taken to Pearl Clinic & Maternal Ltd. for medical treatment before being granted administrative bail in line with the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to a police report sighted though unofficially by Kristina Reports, the suspect was directed to return to the police station on September 7, 2020, to assist with further investigation but failed to honour the invitation.
According to the police, subsequent efforts to trace or contact him were unsuccessful.
The Command noted that efforts are ongoing to locate and re-arrest the suspect, while the case file remains open pending further investigative action.
