The Muslim community in Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria, has distanced itself from the ongoing homosexuality investigation involving children of their members.
According to the spokesperson of the Saki Muslim Association (SMA), Alhaji Abdul Raman Sanni, the association is not supporting any person or group of persons involved in any act of homosexuality. “Our association strongly condemns and will continue to condemn this distasteful act regardless of who is involved,” he said.
He further stressed that the association is assisting the police in their recent investigation, which indicts the Balake and Abdul Rasheed families. Sodiq Balake and Ridwan Abdul Rasheed are alleged to be involved in an unlawful sexual relationship. The Oyo State Police Command has vowed to bring the case to a logical conclusion, as they believe that the community should be free from any form of homosexuality, which is becoming rampant among the youths.
According to our investigation, Sodiq and Rasheed are childhood friends who shared many things in common, including playing soccer in the same academy, where their sexual orientation was first discovered, leading to their suspension.
When our reporter contacted the families of the accused, the Balakes declined to talk to our correspondent, and no response was made to several SMS messages sent. On the other hand, an uncle of Ridwan Abdul Rasheed said, “Well, this is a very tough time for the family. We are doing everything possible to assist the security agency. In fact, this is not something to be proud of. Thank you,” he said.
Saki, a predominantly Muslim and conservative community, condemns not only homosexual behavior but also other activities like alcohol consumption and gambling, in line with religious dictates.
Further investigation at the police command revealed that the duo of Sodiq and Ridwan are on the wanted list of the police for homosexual offenses:
1. Alaba Jonah Saidu (M)
2. Bolaji Bolarin Abass (M)
3. Eyitayo Jegede Jacob (M)
4. Evelyn Blessing Deborah (F)
5. Faith John (F)
6. Sodiq Olasunkanmi Balake (M)
7. Steven Benjamin Lucas (M)
8. Ridwan Abdul Rasheed (M)
The Investigative Police Officer (IPO) Uche Lawrence, in charge of the case, said, “The families of the boys in question are cooperating with our officers. We shall make our findings public soon.”
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for action from the community, particularly among the youth, who are demanding adherence to religious and moral standards. Homosexuality is a criminal offense in Nigeria with strict penalties if found guilty.
