In an exclusive interview with Event Diary Lifestyle, Amina Agbaje spoke on behalf of her brother, Sarafa Olasunkanmi Agbaje, a Nigerian national currently in Canada, who is seeking asylum over fears of persecution due to his bisexual identity.
According to Amina, her brother’s life in Nigeria became increasingly unsafe after his sexual orientation became known within his community.
“My brother did not choose this life. From a young age, he struggled silently with who he was, knowing fully well that Nigeria is not a safe place for people like him,” she said.
She explained that Sarafa grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State, within a deeply conservative environment where same-sex relationships are criminalised and socially condemned. Despite attempting to live a conventional life — including marriage and raising children — his past relationships and identity continued to expose him to danger.
Alleged Assault and Threats
Amina recounted a violent incident in 2015 when her brother was allegedly attacked by unknown men who accused him of “corrupting the youth” because of his relationships with other men.
“He was beaten with broken bottles and left bleeding. If not for a stranger who intervened and rushed him to the hospital, we may have lost him,” she narrated.
Following the incident, Sarafa reportedly went into hiding for weeks, living in constant fear while concealing the true cause of his injuries from his family.
Police Interest and Escalating Fear
The situation worsened in late 2022 after an incident at a public place where he was allegedly seen showing affection to another man. According to Amina, security personnel reportedly recorded the incident.
Shortly after, police officers visited his home searching for him.
“That was when fear truly set in. The police came looking for him. He couldn’t return home. His wife was questioned, and that was how his sexuality became known within the family,” she said.
Fearing arrest under Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act — which prescribes up to 14 years imprisonment — Sarafa fled to northern Nigeria, where he remained in hiding for nearly a year.
Family Harassment and Mother’s Collapse
Amina further revealed that police pressure did not stop after her brother fled the state.
“In November 2025, about ten police officers came to our family house again. The shock caused our mother to collapse. She was hospitalised for a week and is still receiving treatment,” she said.
According to her, the continued harassment has left the family traumatised and fearful.
Escape to Canada
With the support of his wife, Sarafa eventually secured a visa and travelled to Canada in March 2024. Amina says his decision was purely about survival.
“He didn’t run because he wanted to abandon his family. He ran because staying in Nigeria would mean prison, torture, or death,” she stated.
She emphasized that Nigerian prisons are unsafe for LGBTQ individuals and that returning would place her brother at grave risk.
Appeal to the Government of Canada
Amina made a direct appeal to Canadian authorities, urging them to consider her brother’s case through a humanitarian lens.
“We are begging the Government of Canada to protect my brother. Nigeria is not safe for him anywhere — not in any of the 36 states. His life is in danger simply because of who he is,” she said.
She concluded by stating that granting asylum would not only save her brother’s life but also restore hope to a family that has lived in fear for years.