In a dramatic night raid, a team of detectives from the Edo State Police Command, Adesuwa Division, last Saturday, February 18, 2023, stormed the popular RAVE Night Club in Benin City at about 1:00 a.m., disrupting what authorities described as an illicit birthday party involving “indecent same-sex activities” in violation of Nigeria’s anti-LGBTQ laws.

The raid, reportedly prompted by an anonymous tip-off about suspicious gatherings at the venue, resulted in the immediate arrest of eight individuals — six men and two women — who were allegedly caught engaging in various same-sex acts.

Police spokesperson confirmed the operation during a press briefing yesterday in Benin City, stating, “Our officers acted swiftly on credible intelligence. The suspects were found in compromising positions at a supposed birthday celebration organised by a local business man in the area popularly identified as Joseph. Evidence including videos and witness statements will be used to build a watertight case.”

He added that the club’s CCTV footage, which was seized during the raid, captured explicit interactions that could lead to additional arrests.

Further investigation by Vanguard, however, revealed that one of the arrested suspects has already provided statements implicating others, including Edem Peter Otuekpo, a known figure in the local scene, as key participants.

Collected CCTV footage, according to reliable sources, also captured Edem Peter Otuekpo in a compromising act with the celebrant, Joseph.

Investigations are however ongoing, with authorities vowing to track down and prosecute all involved to uphold the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act.

The incident has reignited debates on enforcement of anti-LGBTQ legislation in Nigeria, with human rights groups condemning the raid as an overreach, while conservative leaders praised the police for their vigilance. The club has been temporarily sealed pending further inquiries.