Benin City, Edo State — The Nigeria Police Force has issued a warrant of arrest against a cleric, Pastor Tom, over allegations that he officiated a same-sex wedding ceremony, an act said to contravene Nigerian law.
The warrant was reportedly issued by a Magistrate Court sitting at No. 1–9, Egor, Benin–Sapele Road, Evbuoriaria Quarter, Benin City, Edo State, following preliminary investigations into the alleged incident.
Police sources disclosed that the ceremony allegedly took place on February 17, 2024, at the church premises of Agapel Pentecostal Ministries, Afuda, Uromi, in Esan North-East Senatorial District of the Edo state. Pastor Tom is the presiding minister of the church.
According to the police, the cleric is accused of officiating a marriage ceremony between two adult males, an act said to be in violation of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (SSMPA), 2014, which criminalises same-sex unions and related activities in Nigeria.
Confirming the development, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Kolawole A. Kazeem, said the warrant was obtained following a formal complaint and the presentation of evidence before the court.
“The warrant of arrest was lawfully obtained after credible evidence was presented before the court. The suspect is expected to present himself to law enforcement agencies to answer to the allegations,” Kazeem stated.
The police spokesperson added that investigations are ongoing, stressing that the suspect remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Efforts to reach Pastor Tom for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. However, an anonymous member of the church described the allegations as “regrettable” and urged calm, calling on authorities to allow due legal process to take its course.
Legal analysts note that under the SSMPA 2014, individuals found guilty of conducting or participating in same-sex marriage ceremonies may face penalties of up to 15 years’ imprisonment. Meanwhile, some human rights groups have continued to express concerns over the law, citing issues bordering on personal freedoms and due process.
The police have appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that may assist in locating the suspect, while warning against self-help or taking the law into their own hands.
The case is expected to be mentioned in court on January 21, 2026, as investigations continue.
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