PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The family of Daminabo Peterside says youths in their community have escalated harassment, threats and intimidation as efforts reportedly continue to locate him, nearly five years after the case first arose.
Peterside, who lived in Lagos and whose family is based in Port Harcourt, left the country in September 2020 after his arrest over allegations of homosexual activity in Rivers State. Family sources say inquiries about his whereabouts have continued and intensified amid recent political tensions, placing pressure on relatives in Port Harcourt.
In one reported incident, youths allegedly forced their way into the family residence while demanding information about Peterside. Relatives say property was damaged and household members were threatened.
His mother, whose name is being withheld for security reasons and who is in her mid-60s, was also reportedly confronted while returning home. According to family sources, individuals verbally harassed her, demanded information about Peterside and warned that relatives would face consequences for protecting him. The family says she is now afraid to stay at property.
Relatives also report threats of violence, including alleged death threats by community youths, as well as verbal abuse, social exclusion and other hostility linked to the allegations against Peterside.
Family Raises Concerns Over Police Treatment
The family alleges that Nigerian police have given inadequate attention to requests for protection and instead focused on Peterside’s whereabouts and outstanding case. Family sources say efforts to locate and apprehend him have continued despite his reported absence from Nigeria, with renewed attention amid heightened political tensions.
Peterside’s case dates to August 2020, when he was accused of engaging in homosexual activity near the Okrika Waterfront area of Port Harcourt. According to a police report, an angry group confronted him before a patrol intervened and arrested him. The report says he was in poor physical condition, received medical treatment and was released on administrative bail.
He was ordered to return to the police station for further investigation but did not do so. Police later determined that he had left Nigeria in September 2020. The report said authorities intended to re-arrest him if located and would retain the case file for further action.
Concerns Extend Beyond Rivers State
Although the latest reported harassment has affected relatives in Port Harcourt, family sources say Peterside could also face risks if he returned to Lagos. They fear arrest under the outstanding case and hostility arising from the allegations.
Nigeria’s laws criminalize certain same-sex sexual conduct. Section 214 of the Criminal Code Act provides for imprisonment of up to 14 years for conduct covered by the provision.
Family members say relatives have altered their routines and become more cautious following the alleged intrusion and threats. They are calling on authorities to investigate and protect relatives they say are being targeted because of allegations involving Peterside.
The family says community hostility, the unresolved police case and recent political tensions have renewed fears for relatives in Nigeria.
