Nigerian police have disrupted an illegal gay wedding in the southern city of Warri, Delta State, arresting 67 individuals, according to a statement released by authorities. The raid was prompted by a tip-off from an informant who was aware of the event.
The information about the ceremony surfaced during the police interrogation of a man dressed in women's clothing on August 27th, stated Edafe Bright, the Delta State police spokesperson, in a late Tuesday statement. The statement did not specify the date of the raid.
Bright mentioned that the detainees would soon be charged in court.
Homosexuality is widely considered unacceptable in Nigeria, as in much of Africa, and despite international condemnation, an antigay law was enacted in 2014. Cross-dressing is not illegal but is generally not socially accepted.
"The officers pursued and arrested a total of 67 suspects," both men and women, for allegedly celebrating and attending a same-sex marriage ceremony, Bright declared.
According to the police account, investigations revealed that a drunken guest, who was apprehended during the raid, was allegedly raped by a suspect who is now at large.
Efforts are underway to apprehend other individuals who fled the scene, Bright stated.
Nigeria's anti-LGBTQ+ law, in effect in the most populous nation in Africa, carries prison sentences of up to 14 years for those convicted and prohibits same-sex marriage, same-sex relationships, and membership in LGBTQ+ rights groups.
It is important to note that LGBTQ+ rights activists and advocates for human rights have condemned the law for its discriminatory nature and its impact on the well-being and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria.
This recent raid further highlights the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria, where discrimination and violence against them persist despite efforts to increase awareness and understanding.
As the case proceeds, activists both within Nigeria and around the world will continue to call for the decriminalization of homosexuality and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-30 News
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