SECURITY OPERATIVES' AFTER MACAULAY GODWIN OVER SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIP LEAVES 86-YEAR-OLD FATHER HOSPITALISED
By chi Benjamin
What began as a private relationship between two adults eventually forced Macaulay Ikechukwu Godwin, who works as an Administrative Assistant at Nacnold Global Services, Benin edo state to flee Nigeria, while his elderly father was later hospitalised after security operatives searched the family home in an effort to locate him.
According to information made available to journalist by his elder brother, Christopher Ifeayi Godwin, Macaulay had kept his bisexual identity hidden for years because of the social stigma and legal consequences attached to same-sex relationships in Nigeria.
The family said Macaulay's journey began several years ago when he entered into a same-sex relationship, which he kept secret out of fear of rejection, arrest and attacks. As time passed, information about his sexual orientation became known, forcing him to go into hiding following the arrest of over 200 same-sex raid in Delta state.
The brother explained that Macaulay eventually left Nigeria in search of safety. Unknown to family members and neighbours, however, security operatives later traced his last known address in Aba, Abia State, believing he was still in the country.
He said the operatives searched the family residence and demanded to know Macaulay's whereabouts, insisting that he should be produced.
According to him, the visit left their 86-year-old father, Ogbonna Godwin, visibly shaken.
"My father became terrified after the security operatives searched our house looking for my brother. During the incident, he tried to protect my brother from the officers. In the confusion and panic that followed, he suddenly collapsed and became unconscious," the brother told our correspondent.
The elderly man was immediately rushed to Gilead Hospitals, Aba, where he received emergency medical attention.
A medical report made available to our reporter dated 11 March 2026 and signed by Dr. Erondu Austin O., stated that Ogbonna Godwin was brought to the hospital unconscious on 10 March 2026. According to the report, medical evaluation revealed cardiogenic shock and anxiety disorder. It added that the patient was successfully resuscitated and had recuperated. The report also noted that he is a known hypertensive patient receiving treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy and advised that he should be shielded from any news or information capable of aggravating his condition.
Nigeria's Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013 prohibits same-sex marriage and criminalises certain same-sex relationships and related activities. Human rights organisations have argued that the law has also contributed to discrimination and fear among people perceived to be gay, lesbian or bisexual.
The family maintained that Macaulay remains unable to return to Nigeria because they believe his safety cannot be guaranteed. They also said the incident involving their elderly father remains one of the strongest reminders of the impact the search had on the family.