One Year On – One Sided ‘Jungle’ Justice Or Deserved?

Sexual orientation could be a choice in other sphere but not only is it a taboo in some places, it is a criminal offense in others. The term gayhood, lesbianism or queer is not part of Nigeria’s culture and morals, hence the criminalisation of the acts by the government.

The death of Joseph Adegho is still a mystery. 13th of July, 2019 should have been another day to celebrate his birthday. Jay-Z as he’s called by his friends and close allies was a bright young man and a typical hustler who struggled through tough times to achieve. He was last seen or heard from in 2017 where he was apprehended along with his male friend, Segun Adedoyin having sexual intercourse in Ketu area of Lagos. While Segun managed to escape, Joseph was not that lucky. Various twists and turns have been postulated about Jay-z’s disappearance. Some alleged that he ran away with his gay partner, Segun, who is married. Others claim to have seen him being burnt alive by the clan before the police arrived.

Almost two years on and the family is still begging to know exactly what happened to Joseph.

When our correspondent visited Agbor, Delta State, Joseph’s hometown, we met his brother who had contact Oasis News earlier to cover the story. Victor Adegho, Joseph’s brother narrated how he and Joseph left Agbor for Lagos some years ago. The atmosphere in the family compound where Joseph’s mother, Mrs. Carol Adegho live was in a sober mood as she has been sick since she heard the news of the happening and the death of Joseph.  All she said in tears after greeting her was “please where is Asam, tell me he didn’t do what they said he did; please wake me up, where is my son?”

Victor who spoke on behalf of the family confirmed he once spoke with Adesegun, Joseph’s partner and he helped him out sometimes last year. He said he only did out of inquisitiveness of wanting to know if Joseph was with him or not. He confirmed that Segun was not in the country. Narrating the events that led to the latest, he said he received a call from Joseph’s neighbor the weekend the event happened in 2017. Joseph they said was caught with his assumed friend having sexual intercourse by some men whom we later knew were Segun’s family. According to the family, homosexuality is a disgrace and not only a crime. It is immoral and must totally be condemned. But taking a life for it and letting the other person go seems one sided. They quiz: “Is it because it happened in a Yoruba State?”

All efforts to trace his whereabouts since then have been futile.

Victor said “it’s been almost two years since we last saw our brother”. All we could bury was a burnt body of my brother. The burial took place in the dead of the night as the news of my Jay-z’s evil act is all over. The community sees it as a taboo and the tradition only allows burial at the dead of the night. The community is still dismayed by Joseph’s act and has protested to the secluded judgement meted out. They have protested to the police and vowed to seek revenge. Victor revealed that Adesegun have sought asylum in one of the foreign lands while they mourn over their loss.

A protest letter has been sent to the Inspector General of police through the area command in Agbor Delta state, another have also been sent to the Immigration and Customs concerning the case as the belief is that since they were two people involved, why Joseph should not be the only one to suffer for it.