By Teni Ishola
Abia-born, Canada-based auto spare-parts dealer, Mr. Bekee Ginikanwa Mbadiwe, has opened up following reports linking his sudden disappearance from his family, friends, and business associates in Nigeria to an alleged mob attack and what sources described as “persistent threats” connected to his bisexual identity in Kaduna.
Information obtained by Event Diary Lifestyle indicated that persons familiar with the matter alleged that the trader had been facing community pressure and open hostility before a June 17, 2023 incident in which his shop was reportedly set ablaze by unknown youths in Kaduna. Eyewitness sources claimed the attack was linked to accusations that he was “influencing” young boys in the area — an allegation he denies.
However, findings by Event Diary Lifestyle revealed that Mbadiwe fled Nigeria shortly after the incident, citing threats, public humiliation, and growing fear for his life. Speaking from Canada, where he is said to be seeking protection, he narrated how the alleged attack and subsequent harassment left him traumatized.
According to him, he began life as an apprentice in Lagos at age 14 before his master settled him by establishing his own spare-parts business after he had served faithfully for ten years. He said that by age 21, he had begun experiencing same-sex attraction, first with a co-apprentice, Ejike, and later with another young man named Ayo.
He explained that mounting pressure from his mother to give her grandchildren pushed him into meeting Chinenye in 2006. The union, he said, is blessed with children. “But even with marriage, my passion and affection for same sex didn’t change,” he said, adding that this inner struggle contributed to his decision to relocate to Kaduna.
He said his troubles intensified after relocating to Kaduna in 2021 to expand his business and “escape family pressure” regarding marriage and identity struggles.
He alleged that the crisis peaked in June 2023 after the father of a young man he befriended confronted him publicly over allegations about his orientation. “The next day, some boys stormed my shop, beat me, took my goods, and later that night the place was set on fire by unknown youths in Kaduna,” he said.
He claimed that after fleeing to Lagos, he began receiving threatening messages from unknown numbers. “I was told I had brought shame to the family. The elders even said they didn’t want to see me again,” he alleged, adding that his children also suffered stigma from rumours circulating in their community.
Mbadiwe said that with no support and mounting anxiety, he borrowed money from business associates under the pretext of buying goods. “I felt unsafe and depressed. I didn’t know how else to escape,” he narrated.
In a twist, he said a friend, Kingsley, called him days later to inform him that his 2019 Visa Lottery application had been approved, a development he claimed he had no prior knowledge of.
“I didn’t commit any crime. I am only bisexual and a human being,” he said. “When I heard my visa was approved, I knew that was my only safe way out.”
While independent verification of the alleged Kaduna shop attack, threats, and visa documentation was not immediately available at the time of this report, Mbadiwe insisted that the June 17, 2023 incident marked the turning point that forced him to leave the country.
Attempts by Event Diary Lifestyle to reach community leaders in the Kaduna area for comments were unsuccessful.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly condemned mob attacks and community-based punishments, stressing that regardless of sexual orientation, every citizen is protected under Nigerian law from violence, harassment, and extra-judicial actions.
“All I want is to live free without fear,” Mbadiwe said.