Female Boxer Escapes Lynching in Abeokuta After Mob Attacks Over Alleged Same-Sex Encounter
A middle-aged woman and mother of three, Shogbamu Bolanle Temitope — a boxer who has represented Nigeria internationally — narrowly escaped a lynching after an angry mob descended on her and a female partner in Aseyori Estate, Sabo Agbo-Eran, Abeokuta, residents said.
The incident reportedly unfolded in the early hours of the day when neighbours raised the alarm after allegedly seeing the two women in a compromising situation at a local hotel. A crowd gathered and attacked the pair before passers-by and community elders intervened and prevented further violence.
“I was seriously afraid. I raised an alarm which attracted some of the neighbours. It took the intervention of the elders in the community or else the mob would have lynched them that day,” a neighbour told our correspondent.
According to eyewitness accounts, the mob intended to “teach them lessons,” but elders and other by-standers managed to remove the women from the scene and calm tensions. Both women are said to have left the area following the incident.
A community youth who helped lead the angry response, Tunde Buraimoh Akintunde, told reporters the act was “seriously sacrilegious” and argued the pair “must not be seen around this area.” His comments reflect the strong social disapproval expressed by some residents.
The episode has raised alarm among rights advocates and legal observers who warn against mob justice and stressed that allegations must be handled through lawful channels.
“While community standards and beliefs vary, violence and vigilante punishment are unlawful. Any accusation should be handled by the appropriate authorities and not by mobs,” a human-rights observer said (name withheld).
There was no immediate confirmation from police at the time of filing. It remains unclear whether any arrests have been made or if an official complaint was lodged. Our attempts to reach local law enforcement for comment were not successful.
Incidents of mob violence over alleged private behaviour have in the past drawn condemnation from civil-society groups and rights organisations, which call for stronger protection of citizens and adherence to due process.
Residents who witnessed the intervention said the rapid response of elders and passers-by prevented a potential tragedy, but many expressed lingering fear and anxiety about reprisals and the safety of the women involved.
