The Oyo State Police Command has declared 38-year-old Olarewaju Paul Sheba wanted over allegations of involvement in homosexual activities, which remain illegal under Nigerian law.
The case began after police raided a house in Odongunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos State, on December 26, 2024, where several young men were arrested.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso, one of the 16 suspects claimed that Mr. Sheba co-sponsored the event but did not attend due to a family matter.
Although the arrests took place in Lagos, police commands in both Oyo and Lagos states are working together on the investigation.
One of the suspects, identified as John, popularly known as Sholaybo, reportedly named Mr. Sheba as a co-organizer of the event.
Mr. Sheba, a former hotel worker in Lagos who has family in Ibadan, was last reportedly seen in the Elebu–Akala area. Neighbours say police officers recently visited the community to make inquiries after hearing he had moved out once he learned of the investigation.
Residents described Mr. Sheba as quiet and peaceful, saying they were shocked by the allegations. However, some youths in the area have shown signs of agitation, prompting community leaders to urge restraint and discourage any actions that could disrupt public peace.
The police have appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
CSP Osifeso emphasized that Mr. Sheba has not been charged with any crime but is wanted to assist with the investigation. He also warned against harassing anyone believed to be connected to the case.
Although the Lagos State Police Command is leading the investigation, Osifeso noted that similar incidents have been reported more frequently in parts of southwestern Nigeria.
Authorities continue to search for Mr. Sheba and have urged anyone with credible information about his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station. The investigation is ongoing.