LGBTQ+ Nigerians fight against dating app traps: ‘I was framed’

In Nigeria, the LGBTQ+ community faces a dangerous threat known as “kito,” a form of violent entrapment that uses dating apps to lure victims. Acho Kenneth’s harrowing experience sheds light on the risks faced by individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.

Kenneth agreed to meet his Grindr date, Ugo, at his home in Lagos, only to be ambushed by four men who subjected him to a brutal attack. They demanded money and threatened to out him to his family unless he paid up. After a seven-hour ordeal, Kenneth was released when friends managed to gather the ransom.

This incident is not an isolated one. The LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria is increasingly targeted by criminals who exploit online dating apps to kidnap, beat, and extort victims. The fear of public abuse and police harassment forces individuals to resort to online platforms like the Kito Diaries to screen potential dates and expose wrongdoers.

Despite the legal status of same-sex relations in Nigeria, the LGBTQ+ community remains vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Data collected by The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) reveals a significant surge in kito cases, with victims often too afraid to report their assailants.

However, some victims are taking matters into their own hands. In a recent sting operation, friends of a victim managed to apprehend a suspect involved in a kito gang, leading to multiple arrests. The community’s resilience in the face of adversity highlights the need for greater protection and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria.