A new development has emerged in the 2022 incident involving Shogbamu Bolanle Temitope, a former Nigerian boxer, and her alleged same-sex partner, Adeoti Mosunmola Yinka, as reports indicate that both women are currently on the run.
Temitope, a mother of three, had narrowly escaped lynching in 2022 after an angry mob reportedly attacked her and Yinka at a hotel in Aseyori Estate, Sabo Agbo-Eran, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, over allegations of engaging in same-sex acts — an act that is not acceptable in Nigeria.
According to eyewitnesses, the duo were rescued by passers-by who intervened just in time to prevent the mob from carrying out jungle justice before they fled the scene. However, in the course of their escape, Yinka was reportedly involved in a ghastly motor accident, which left her with severe, life-threatening injuries.
Since then, Temitope’s whereabouts have remained unknown.
Alhaji Isiaq Kolawole, the Chairman of the Aseyori Estate, reported Temitope and Yinka for alleged lesbianism to the Anti-Cultism and Other Related Offences Department of the Nigerian Police, Ogun State Command.
In the police report seen by newsheadline247, “Alhaj Kolawole accused Bolanle Temitope Shogbamu as a notorious bisexual known for promoting, engaging and encouraging same sex act.”
However, the case resurfaced recently after reports emerged that some personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) — where Adeoti Mosunmola Yinka is employed — were allegedly involved in same-sex activities. The agency was said to have launched an internal investigation into Yinka and a few others linked to the scandal.
A source within the NSCDC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Yinka, alleged to be a bisexual woman, and several colleagues were under investigation for alleged same-sex misconduct, adding that she had not reported for duty in recent weeks.
“We have not seen Yinka around for weeks. I think she must have gone into hiding when she realized she’s being investigated on allegations of lesbianism,” the source said. “If confirmed, she could face dismissal and possible prosecution.”
Yinka, who was once a national female boxing coach and later served as an international and Olympic boxing official, is said to have enjoyed a long career in sports and public service before the allegations emerged.
The controversy has reportedly stirred mixed reactions within Nigeria’s boxing community and the Civil Defence Corps, with some members expressing concern about the incident.
Both Yinka and Temitope remain unreachable as of the time of filing this report, and the NSCDC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
At press time, neither the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) nor the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has publicly confirmed disciplinary action against Adeoti Mosunmola Yinka.
Legal Explainer: Same-Sex Relations Under Nigerian Law
Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (SSMPA), enacted in 2014, criminalises same-sex marriages and public displays of same-sex relationships.
Under the law:
• Persons who enter into a same-sex union may face up to 14 years in prison.
• Individuals or groups who support, register, or participate in gay clubs, organisations, or meetings may face up to 10 years in prison.
• The Act applies across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly called for reforms to the SSMPA, arguing that it promotes discrimination. However, the Nigerian government has maintained that the law reflects the country’s cultural and moral values.