A total of 76 individuals have been apprehended by the country's paramilitary agency in northern Nigeria for their participation in a birthday celebration specifically organized for gay individuals. The agency further explained that the event organizer had intentions of conducting a same-sex wedding, an act that is prohibited by the law. These arrests represent the most recent incidents targeting LGBTQ Nigerians, following a police raid on a gay wedding held in the southern city of Warri in Delta state, resulting in the detention of numerous individuals who have since been released on bail.
In Nigeria, like in most parts of Africa, homosexuality is generally viewed as unacceptable, and a 2014 anti-gay law took effect despite international condemnation.
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Following a tip-off, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) spokesperson for Gombe state, Buhari Saad, announced that a party held on Saturday night was raided by the agency. The attendees were reportedly a mix of "homosexuals and pimps". Saad confirmed that a total of 59 individuals, including 21 self-proclaimed homosexuals and 17 women, were apprehended during the operation.
The Gombe NSCDC stated in a press release that the individual responsible for organizing the birthday celebration had intentions to marry another man, who is currently evading capture, prior to the police intervention.
In Africa's most populous nation, the anti-gay legislation includes severe penalties of up to 14 years of imprisonment for individuals found guilty, along with the prohibitions on same-sex unions, homosexual relationships, and involvement in gay rights organizations.
The case was expected to be heard in the Gombe state High Court on Tuesday, Saad said.