Nigeria’s ‘Kito’ Scam Targets LGBTQ+ People with Violence

Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ Community Faces Rising ‘Kito’ Attacks

A dangerous scam known as ‘Kito’ is increasingly targeting LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria. Attackers use dating apps and social media to lure victims, then ambush, beat, and blackmail them for money. Rights groups report a significant rise in these incidents, with at least 50 cases recorded between December and February alone.

A Survivor’s Story: Gavin’s Ordeal

Gavin, a 22-year-old student whose name has been changed for his safety, shared his harrowing experience. He was contacted online by someone who invited him over. Upon arrival, he was ambushed by four other men, making a total of five attackers. They beat him, stole his phone and bank card, and extorted money from him and his family. The assailants also recorded him naked.

“They borrowed money on three of my accounts, collected about €400 from my parents. My savings were about €190. They collected it. My phone was worth more than €300. They took it and extorted money from my friends, too.”

Gavin was held captive for eight hours until his captors had taken enough money. The physical assault and molestation have left deep emotional scars. He now struggles with socializing and feels a constant need to hide his true identity due to the trauma.

Homophobia Fuels Organized Crime

Homosexuality is widely condemned in Nigeria, with public humiliation of gay men circulating online and attracting widespread homophobic comments. Criminals are exploiting the country’s anti-gay laws to carry out crimes like kidnapping, blackmail, and assault. The ‘Kito’ scam specifically involves luring gay men on dates, only for them to be ambushed by attackers. Similar dating scams targeting lesbian women involve gang rape and filming for extortion purposes.

Activist Groups Provide Crucial Support

The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) documented over 500 human rights violations against the LGBTQ+ community in 2024. Another group, Time Nigeria, offers support through workshops and feedback sessions, though participants must meet in secret due to fear of attacks. Activists sometimes even negotiate with criminals during ‘Kito’ incidents to secure lower ransom amounts, but some victims are held for weeks or longer.

Tragic Loss and Persistent Fear

The violence can be deadly. Hillary Ikuku, a 23-year-old, died after being thrown from a two-story building while trying to escape his abductors. Even after his death, homophobic songs were sung at his funeral. Survivors like Gavin live in constant fear, feeling trapped and unable to express their true selves.

Legal Battles and Impunity

Chiselo Ejulu, a lawyer with Minority Watch, an NGO in Lagos, highlighted the legal challenges. He noted that in court cases, defense lawyers sometimes try to justify attacks by claiming victims were gay and went willingly. This mindset fuels the violence, as attackers believe they can act with impunity. Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, which criminalizes more than just same-sex marriage, has been criticized for contributing to this climate of violence, despite warnings from civil society.

“There is a belief there is impunity. There’s a belief that if I do this I will get away with it. And people are beginning to see that homophobia if you put some effort in homophobia it pays. It’s going to generate some money.”

Ejulu explained that while Nigerian law criminalizes specific sexual activities, not identity itself, attacks are often based on real or perceived sexual orientation. Despite this, constitutional rights are meant to apply to all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation. Minority Watch is working to ensure courts recognize these protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Glimmers of Hope and Ongoing Struggle

While justice is difficult, there have been some positive developments. A transgender woman reported abuse, and the perpetrator was treated with respect in court, though the case was settled out of court. In another instance, a perpetrator who bit off his victim’s ear was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison, though activists felt the sentence was too lenient given the severity of the injury. Several other cases are ongoing, offering hope for future legal victories.

A Dream for Equality

Survivors like Gavin dream of a Nigeria where gay people can live openly without fear of judgment or condemnation. They envision a society where straight and gay individuals can coexist freely and help each other equally. For now, they continue to hope for a future where they can be safe and free to be themselves.

Source: Survivor of 'kito' attack in Nigeria speaks out as homophobic violence rises | DW News (YouTube)