A Lagos-based journalist, Iribhogbe Bukunola Monsurat, has reportedly been placed on the watchlist of the Lagos State Police Command following allegations that she used her media platform to promote same-sex relationships.
Monsurat, who works with Khai Reports, a Lagos-based digital newspaper, was reportedly invited by the police several months ago after petitions were submitted by some organisations accusing her of using the publication to advocate same-sex relationships and support individuals involved in homosexual activities.
Sources within the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, said the petitions alleged that the journalist’s activities amounted to promoting or facilitating conduct prohibited under Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013.
According to one of the sources, Monsurat failed to honour the police invitation, prompting detectives to visit her residence in an attempt to locate her.
“She ignored the invitation despite knowing the implications. A team of detectives was sent to her residence, but she could not be found,” the source said.
The source further claimed that the journalist had been placed on the police watchlist amid suspicions that she might be planning to leave the country.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, reportedly confirmed that the command periodically reviews its watchlist.
The development comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, which was signed into law on January 7, 2014.
The legislation prohibits same-sex marriages and civil unions, prescribing a maximum of 14 years’ imprisonment for anyone who enters into such a union.
It also provides for up to 10 years’ imprisonment for persons who establish, register, operate or participate in gay clubs, societies or organisations, as well as those who support their activities.
The Act further criminalises the public display of same-sex amorous relationships and the witnessing, aiding or abetting of the solemnisation of same-sex marriages or civil unions, with penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The allegations against Monsurat remain claims that would require formal clarification from the police and an opportunity for the journalist to respond.
The reported placement of Lagos-based journalist Iribhogbe Bukunola Monsurat on the police watchlist over allegations bordering on the promotion of same-sex relationships has brought renewed attention to the delicate intersection of journalism, Nigeria’s legal framework and freedom of expression.
The relationship between the media and the law has always been a delicate one, particularly in societies where certain social issues attract strong public reactions and legal restrictions.
In Nigeria, the debate surrounding same-sex relationships remains one such contentious issue, with the country’s legal framework imposing significant restrictions on same-sex unions and related activities.
Against this backdrop, the reported police search for a Lagos-based journalist, Iribhogbe Bukunola Monsurat, has brought the issue into renewed focus, raising questions about the limits of media advocacy, the enforcement of existing laws and the protection of journalistic freedom.