Command says suspect left scene before officers secured premises; public urged to assist investigation
The Osun State Police Command has declared a man named Adebayo Adedeji Joshua, wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged unlawful gathering involving persons suspected of engaging in same-sex activities in Osogbo, Osun State.
According to the Command, the suspect is being sought after investigators were unable to secure his appearance for questioning despite several attempts through official channels. Police say repeated invitations issued during the course of the investigation were not honoured, prompting the decision to seek public assistance in locating him.
The investigation stems from an intelligence-led police operation carried out on 12 June 2023, when operatives of the Osun State Police Command raided a private residence in Osogbo following information received about an alleged unlawful gathering.
Several individuals were arrested during the operation and taken into custody for questioning. Detectives subsequently commenced a comprehensive investigation, gathering statements, reviewing evidence and establishing the identities of those believed to have attended the gathering.
According to police, the investigation indicated that Adedeji Adebayo Joshua was among those allegedly present at the venue before officers arrived.
Speaking during the Command’s monthly press briefing at its headquarters in Osogbo, the State Commissioner of Patrick Kehinde Alonge told reporters that by the time officers had fully secured the premises, Adebayo was no longer at the location. Investigators believe he left shortly before or during the police operation, and despite subsequent efforts to trace him, his whereabouts remain unknown.
According to the Commissioner, the investigation began with an intelligence-led operation carried out on a private residence in Osogbo, following information received about an alleged unlawful gathering. Several individuals were arrested during the raid and taken into custody for questioning. Detectives say Deji was among those believed to have been present before officers arrived, but that he was no longer at the scene by the time the premises were fully secured.
The Commissioner explained that investigators were able to place Deji at the gathering through an exhibit recovered during the operation, a bag found in the possession of one Joseph Adeletu, bearing identification linking it to Adebayo Adedeji. That discovery, he said, prompted detectives to widen their inquiry, ultimately allowing them to confirm Deji’s attendance and leading to the decision to formally declare him wanted.
As the investigation progressed, officers reportedly made several attempts to invite him for questioning through available communication channels. However, police say those efforts were unsuccessful, leading to the decision to formally declare him wanted.
Police said the investigation is being conducted under relevant provisions of Nigerian law, including the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2014, alongside any other applicable legislation arising from the circumstances of the case.
The Osun State Police Command also warned members of the public against knowingly concealing or assisting anyone declared wanted by law enforcement authorities. The Command noted that any individual found to be harbouring or aiding a wanted suspect may be liable to prosecution under applicable Nigerian laws. Residents were urged not to obstruct the course of justice by providing shelter, financial assistance or any other form of support intended to help the suspect evade lawful investigation.
The Police Command appealed to anyone with credible information regarding the whereabouts of Adedeji Adebayo Joshua to report immediately to the nearest police station or contact the Osun State Police Command through its official communication channels. Police assured the public that all information received would be treated with the strictest confidence and handled professionally throughout the investigation.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety and the rule of law, the Osun State Police Command said it remains dedicated to conducting a thorough, impartial and lawful investigation. The Command stated that the objective is to ensure that all persons relevant to the investigation are given the opportunity to account for their involvement while allowing due legal process to take its course.
As of the time of this report, Adedeji Adebayo Joshua remains wanted for questioning, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Osun State Police Command or visit the nearest police station. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence.
