Uromi, Edo – Detectives in Edo State Police Command have intensified efforts to apprehend a cleric accused of officiating a same-sex marriage within his church premises.
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‎The suspect, identified as Pastor Tom Ebaikhin of Agape Pentecostal Ministries, Afuda, Uromi, in Esan North-East Local Government Area, is currently under investigation by the Edo State Police Command.
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‎Police sources disclosed that the alleged ceremony, involving Christopher Ikhomu and Patrick Isaac, took place on February 17, 2024. Following proceedings at a magistrate court in Benin City, the Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence obtained a warrant for the pastor’s arrest.
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‎The warrant, dated October 13, 2025, was endorsed by an Assistant Commissioner of Police on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police.
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‎It urged members of the public to provide credible information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest at the state police headquarters or any police station nationwide.
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‎Authorities allege that the pastor’s actions may contravene the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, which criminalizes same-sex unions in Nigeria and prescribes penalties of up to 14 years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
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‎The legislation continues to be enforced across the country, where same-sex relationships remain both legally prohibited and socially sensitive.
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‎Police have called on the public to assist ongoing investigations by reporting any relevant information to law enforcement agencies.
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