Over 60 individuals were apprehended last week in Nigeria in connection with an alleged same-sex wedding.
Consequently, same-sex relations are considered illegal in the country.
-The arrested suspects-
More than 60 people have been placed in custody, as confirmed by the police and their legal counsel on Monday 4th September 2023.
The arrests were made following a tipoff of the alleged ceremony involving two individuals of the same gender.
The suspects were arrested in the southern city of Warri in Delta state.
Moreover, during a hearing on Monday, the court granted the police’s request to remand the individuals arrested.
-Police statement-
Delta State police issued a statement stating following the arrest.
“The suspects have been arraigned in court today and the judge has ruled that they be remanded.”
Subsequently, the statement went on to highlight that the arrested would be in prison for two weeks.
-Exact number of suspects-
Nevertheless, the exact number of individuals remanded was not specified in the statement.
However, according to the police reports, the police previously reported 67 arrests in connection to the offence.
In Nigeria, as is the case in many parts of Africa, homosexuality is widely regarded as socially unacceptable.
-Same-sex crimes in Nigeria-
In 2014, despite international criticism, an anti-gay law was implemented.
Ochuko Ohimor, the defence attorney representing 60 of the suspects, disclosed the hearing would be in a week.
In addition, the defence team is actively working to secure bail for the detainees.
Moreover, the defence has highlighted that getting bail will not be as automatic in regards to the allegations fronted.
He stated that the total number of individuals remanded stands at 69.
-Is there hope for bail?-
In addition, all were and their charges were connected to the said allegations.
The defence team was confident to strike a deal besides the allegations of participating in a celebration of a same-sex wedding.
Coincidentally, Nigeria is among a slew of African states that have ruled out same-sex relations as a way of life.
-Same-sex relations crimes in Africa-
Uganda has enforced the death penalty and two men stand accused of engaging in same-sex relations.
It is however worth to not that one of the accused facing the death penalty in Uganda was a perpetrator of rape on a fellow male.
In brief, it is evident that some African states have already made their stance on the matter.
