Aftermath of Mob Attack on Suspect Linked to Same-Sex Wedding Raid

Tension reportedly heightened in a remote community in Benin City after an irate mob, led by local vigilante members, stormed the residence of Odion Kelly, an alleged fleeing suspect wanted by the Nigerian Police following claims that he had lured a man now deceased into same-sex activities several years earlier.

The community was said to have been plunged into pandemonium following the tragic death of Solomon Urieto who was allegedly involved in same-sex practices and had earlier been arrested during a police raid on an alleged same-sex wedding ceremony in Delta State.

Recall that on 27 August 2023, Solomon Urieto had been among the 67 persons arrested when operatives of the Delta State Police Command raided an alleged same-sex wedding ceremony at Teebulos Hotel, off Refinery Road in Ekpan, Warri.

Solomon, following his arrest, was said to have allegedly made confessional statement implicating one Odion Kelly as his secret partner who introduced him into same-sex relationship. He was later released from detention a few weeks after his arrest in 2023 while the case was still pending in court.

However, in 2025, confirmed reports within the community indicated that Solomon Urieto was allegedly caught again engaging in same-sex activities with another male by neighbours.

The discovery reportedly triggered outrage among residents, leading to a mob attack during which Solomon Urieto sustained severe injuries and later died on Oct. 5, 2025.

Meanwhile, community sources disclosed that Solomon Urieto had secretly maintained a secret relationship with a man identified as Odion Kelly, who was accused by some residents of introducing young men in the area to same-sex practices.

The allegation was said to have further heightened anger within the community.
Sources said the tension escalated again in March 2026 when a group of local vigilantes and angry youths stormed the family residence believed to belong to Odion Kelly in Benin City in an attempt to apprehend him.

However, Kelly Odion was reportedly nowhere to be found at the time of the incident.
Witnesses alleged that members of the mob vandalised properties in the building and destroyed property said to be worth millions of naira after failing to locate him.

Occupants of the residence were also reportedly confronted by the angry youths, who demanded information about Kelly’s whereabouts.

Some members of the group were quoted as insisting that Kelly must also face consequences over the death of Solomon Urieto whom they described as his partner.

According to community sources, the mob further declared that wherever and whenever Odion Kelly was found within the country he would be made to answer for allegedly luring young men into what they described as the sacrilegious act of same-sex practice.

Meanwhile, Kelly Odion whereabouts remain unknown, with both members of his immediate family and residents of the community