The increasing visibility of homosexuality in Nigeria, despite the stringent legal consequences stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution, has raised concerns among various segments of society. It is opined that if the Federal Government of Nigeria fails to nip this anomaly in the bud, it might portray the nation in a bad light in the committee of nations, most especially among the African countries.
Recently, a report emanated that the Nigeria Police arrested some group of individuals for allegedly being involved in homosexuality in various communities across the Southwestern region.
According to a report by Daily Bells Nigeria, it was confirmed that these young men in their mid-thirties and early forties were apprehended in the act in various areas within the region. Mostly, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos states.
It was gathered that the community Chairman of Ogombo in Lagos state. Mr Joseph Akinwunmi filed a petition to the police, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants.
Further investigation within the community, revealed that Oseni Idowu Akeem, Easy Toyin Adegbile, Babatunde Owolabi Osho, Charles Peter Adegbuyiro, Olatunji Peter Bamisile and a few others were among those that are currently at large in which they are currently under the surveillance of the Police Force.
Moreover, Olatunji Peter Bamisile, Easy Adegbile, Babatunde Owolabi Osho, Charles Adegbuyiro, Jamiu Sekoni, and Ikechuckwu Daniel have been excommunicated from their communities based on eyewitness accounts.
In Reaction, The traditional ruler of Ogombo, Oba Abbey Muslimi stated that this action was taken to cleanse the land according to customary beliefs.
Similarly, a resident of ogombo community, who pleaded anonymity, reported that two boys were caught in a compromising situation but managed to escape the scene to avoid being lynched by the people in the neighbourhood who witnessed this proscribed act.
correspondent visited the Ogombo community to confirm the veracity of this incident, the chairman of the community, Joseph Akinwunmi, said “We have carried out a thorough investigation on this criminal act and we found it to be true”
He added that All hands are on deck in partnership with security agency to ensure all the names mentioned face the full wrath of the law”.
He further stressed that “the case is still under investigation as we speak and we are exploring all options to ensure getting to the root of the matter and apprehend all parties involved,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police has taken a strong stance against homosexuality.
Speaking on the incident, The Public Relations Officer of the Zone 2 Police Command, Dolapo Badmos, has asked homosexuals to flee the country or face the law, while urging other security agencies to apprehend anyone involved in such an unnatural act.
“Recall that the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013, which was passed on January 7, 2014,”
The police statement reiterated, “If you are homosexually inclined, Nigeria is not a place for you. There is a law Same Sex Prohibition Act here that criminalises homosexual clubs, associations and organisations with penalties of up to 15 years in jail.
“So, if you are a homosexual, leave the country or face prosecution. But before you say, ‘Does this matter?’ Kindly note that anything against the law of the land is criminal and all crimes will be punished accordingly no matter how small you think it is.
“The law says a person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies or organisations, directly or indirectly makes a public show of same-sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years. Anyone convicted of entering into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union faces up to 14 years imprisonment. All LGBT candidates in Nigeria should beware.” she added