By Edo Correspondent
The Edo State Police Command has declared the founder of Divine Transformation Ministry, 105 Ihama Street, G.R.A., Benin City, Pastor Magnus Imasuen, wanted following a protest by elders and youths of the area over allegations of homosexual conduct.
Imasuen was reportedly declared wanted on February 13, 2026, after concerned residents protested what they described as the police’s failure to arrest him following his alleged flight from the area.
According to findings by The Catholic Beacon, the controversy dates back to January 15, 2025, when Imasuen was allegedly discovered engaging in a same-sex sexual act with a church member identified as Christian Osawe.
The alleged incident reportedly sparked outrage among community members, with residents condemning the conduct as contrary to Benin’s customs and traditional values.
Sources said youths in the area subsequently launched efforts to locate the pastor amid allegations that he was expected to undergo a traditional cleansing process under local customs.
The sources further alleged that the traditional process could attract severe consequences. However, such claims could not be independently verified.
The controversy comes against the background of Nigeria’s legal prohibition of same-sex relationships and related conduct under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, which provides criminal penalties for specified offences.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Nkereuwem Ikoedem, reportedly appealed for calm during the protest, assuring the protesters that the command would take appropriate steps to locate Imasuen and ensure that the matter was handled according to the law.
Ikoedem also reportedly condemned the alleged killing of Osawe, stressing that no individual or group had the right to take the law into their own hands.
According to sources, Osawe was allegedly apprehended by youths of the area about two months after the reported incident and was subsequently beaten and stoned to death.
The circumstances surrounding Osawe’s reported death, including the identities of those allegedly responsible, remain subject to investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of Pastor Imasuen remain unknown.
Culled from Catholic Beacon, March edition, 2026
