- A total of 67 individuals are currently facing prosecution by the Nigerian police for their alleged involvement in a same-sex wedding.
- In Nigeria, attending or assisting in a gay marriage is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment.
- When interrogated by local journalists, some attendees claimed that they were actually participating in a nighttime fashion event.
The Nigerian police have confirmed the arrest of over 100 individuals at a same-sex wedding held on Sunday evening. Authorities have stated that many in the crowd will face prosecution for their alleged participation in “conducting and attending a same-sex wedding ceremony.”
A spokesperson for the Delta State Command informed reporters that there were approximately 200 people present at the event, with ongoing investigations focused on 67 attendees.
The spokesperson highlighted the issue of attendees cross-dressing as females during a Facebook live broadcast, an observation reported by Insider.
In Nigeria, same-sex relationships are illegal, with the country imposing 14-year prison sentences for individuals involved in gay marriage contracts or civil unions. Aiding and abetting a same-sex marriage can lead to a 10-year prison sentence.
The police spokesperson stated, “We will not take this lightly, and we will ensure they are prosecuted accordingly.”
During the broadcast, dozens of the accused individuals were prominently seated and stood behind the spokesperson, later providing interviews to local media outlets.
Some of those arrested denied attending a gay wedding, claiming instead to have participated in a nighttime fashion show. Others attempted to conceal their faces from the cameras.
In a press release on Tuesday, state police described how they dispersed the crowd and pursued guests upon arriving at the event in the city of Warri on Sunday evening. Officials also stated that they possess footage showing a marriage ceremony and wedding festivities taking place.
Amnesty International Nigeria expressed condemnation for the arrests in a Twitter post on Tuesday. They called on the Delta State police command to immediately release the more than 100 detained individuals and halt what they referred to as a witch-hunt.
The organization added, “It is astonishing that mere dress style, hairstyle, or seating arrangements can be treated as criminal acts.”
The Delta State Command did not respond to a request for comment outside of regular business hours.
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