Gloria Okeke has raised fresh concerns over the safety of her sister, Sharon Okeke Chiamaka, who has been living in Canada since 2024, following alleged threats linked to her bisexuality, her daughter’s safety and a reported search for her in Nigeria.
Speaking with Event Diary Lifestyle, Gloria said Sharon left Nigeria with her daughter in January 2024 after facing what she described as growing pressure and threats surrounding her sexual orientation and an alleged demand by members of her daughter’s paternal family for the child to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM).
According to Gloria, Sharon told her that members of the child’s paternal family began insisting that the girl be circumcised as part of their family tradition after her birth in August 2022.
Sharon and the child’s father, Martins, reportedly rejected the demand. Gloria said Sharon later told her that the family threatened to take the child by force and eventually went to her sister’s home in an attempt to take her.
The attempt was reportedly stopped by relatives and neighbours, while Sharon was later taken to hospital after sustaining an injury.
Gloria said the continuing pressure over her daughter, combined with concerns surrounding her sexual orientation, contributed to Sharon’s decision to leave Nigeria.
According to Gloria, Sharon continued receiving information about developments in Nigeria after arriving in Canada.
She said Sharon told her that in April 2024, a man who allegedly obtained private conversations and photographs involving Sharon and her female partner threatened to expose them and demanded ₦500,000.
Gloria said the money was paid, but another demand was later made, which Sharon refused.
She said Sharon was subsequently informed that security operatives had visited a family residence looking for her over her alleged relationship with the woman.
The family’s fears, Gloria said, intensified on April 13, 2026, when Sharon’s husband, Martins, was allegedly attacked at their home after security operatives and other men reportedly arrived looking for Sharon.
According to Gloria, Martins was stabbed at the back of his neck and taken to hospital for treatment.
Gloria said the latest incident occurred on July 30, 2026, when she was in Benin City and became frightened after seeing a security operative. She said she attempted to flee but fell and sprained her left ankle.
Gloria said she decided to speak out about the incident because she did not want to keep quiet about what happened to her or about the concerns surrounding her sister. She said she felt it was important to bring the situation to public attention rather than remain silent and later be blamed if anything serious happened to Sharon or any member of the family.
She said the incident has further heightened the family’s anxiety, particularly because Sharon has remained outside Nigeria since January 2024.
Gloria said Sharon’s biggest fears remain the possibility of persecution because of her bisexuality and the safety of her daughter, who she fears could be taken from her and subjected to FGM if she is forced to return to Nigeria.
For the family, Gloria said, the reported incidents involving Sharon, Martins and herself have reinforced their belief that the situation remains unresolved.