Head Coach, Female Boxer On The Run As Police Trail Same-Sex Gang Members

By Imelda Oghenovo

Members of a suspected same-sex gang allegedly promoting immorality in Warri and environ in Delta State now live in constant fear as local vigilante operatives and the police have become relentless in trailing them since 2025.

Our investigation revealed that on 28th July, 2025 a group consisting of local community leaders, police, vigilante operatives and angry youths raided a gymnasium in Warri named Emoni Boxing and Fitness Gym which was suspected to be a haven for young boys and girls allegedly involved in same-sex relationships.

After the police left the gym on 28th July, 2025 night, the community youth and angry mob went back and caused chaos, vandalizing and looted the gym.

The police officers were said to be working on a tip off that allegedly gave out the gym as centre for the promotion of same-sex activities.

On 31st July, 2025 the police were able to trace one of the prime suspects; a female boxer named Blessing Osekobe’s family residence to Upper Sakpoba area of Benin-City, Edo State but she could not be found. It was gathered that a friend of hers, one Mary Akpan suspected to be Blessing’s same-sex partner was accosted by the police at the residence and promptly arrested for questioning.

After a few days in detention, Akpan was reportedly released but the police officers were unrelenting as they later re-visited the gym in Warri with a view to arresting the gym head coach, Odion Emoni. They could not find him and he has reportedly been on the run since then.

His assistant coach, Jeffrey Okpakufe was arrested, quizzed for hours before he was granted bail as police investigation continues.

In recent time, activities of Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) have been on the upscale in Nigeria in spite of the consequences that follow the arrest, prosecution and conviction of any offender.

The law against same-sex relationship stipulates 14 years imprisonment on conviction.