In a recent development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken into custody more than 70 young individuals on allegations of orchestrating a same-sex wedding in Gombe state.
This incident is yet another instance of the ongoing crackdown on the LGBTQ community. It’s important to note that same-sex marriage remains illegal in Nigeria, as per a law established in 2014.
Over the weekend, NSCDC personnel, who are part of the official paramilitary force, carried out a raid at a relaxation spot in Gombe, the state’s capital.
They apprehended several individuals who were accused of hosting what they termed a “gay party” and planning a wedding ceremony for two male partners. These details were confirmed by NSCDC spokesperson Buhari Saad in Gombe.
Saad stated, “We apprehended 76 suspected homosexuals… while attending a birthday celebration organized by one of them who was set to marry his male partner at the event.” Among those detained were 59 men and 17 women, with 21 of the men voluntarily acknowledging their sexual orientation.
Legal representatives for the arrested individuals were not immediately available for comment or confirmation.
The prospective groom was apprehended, but the bride-to-be managed to escape, along with other attendees, as indicated by the official.
Saad confirmed, “We will bring them to court to answer for their actions once the investigation is completed.” It’s worth noting that, under Sharia law in northern Nigeria, homosexuality carries the death penalty, though it’s important to mention that this penalty has never been enforced.
In 2014, Nigeria introduced new legislation that banned same-sex marriages and the promotion of civil unions. The Nigeria’s Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act imposes penalties of up to 14 years in prison for individuals confirmed to be in a same-sex union.
Saad declined to specify whether the suspects would face charges under Sharia law or in a common law court.
In recent years, security personnel have conducted multiple raids on alleged same-sex weddings across northern Nigeria. However, none of the individuals arrested in these instances have been convicted.
In a case from December of the previous year, 19 men and women in their 20s were detained in Kano by Sharia police known as Hisbah on charges related to organizing a same-sex wedding.
Notably, these suspects were cautioned and subsequently released without facing court proceedings.
| Sahara Reporters
