Nigerian officials have reportedly detained more than 70 people over the course of the weekend on suspicion of planning a gay wedding in the mostly Muslim state of Gombe, which is located in northern Nigeria.
The arrests took place on Saturday night but were officially confirmed on Monday, casting a spotlight on the nation’s strict stance against same-sex relationships and marriages. Buhari Saad, a spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, revealed that 76 individuals were taken into custody. The event in question was characterized as a birthday party, which was also meant to include a wedding ceremony between two men.
Of the detainees, 59 were men, and 17 women. Alarmingly, 21 of the men reportedly confessed to being gay during the apprehension.
Nigeria has faced increasing international scrutiny for its stringent anti-LGBTQ laws, particularly since the implementation of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act in 2014.
This legislation imposes severe penalties, including prison sentences of up to 14 years, for those found guilty of engaging in same-sex relationships or marriages. It has been a contentious issue within the country, with human rights organizations advocating for the repeal of the law.
This is not the first incident of its kind this year in Nigeria. In August, security forces arrested 67 individuals who were accused of attending a gay wedding in the southern Delta state. Those arrested were later released on bail, but these events have brought renewed attention to the treatment of LGBTQ individuals in the nation.
The arrests in Gombe have ignited discussions on human rights and the treatment of the LGBTQ community within Nigeria and have drawn attention from the international community, with many urging the Nigerian government to reconsider its approach to LGBTQ rights.