By Bamidele Olatunde
Nigeria Government Curb Ugly Trend of Homosexuality
The rate at which the wind of homosexuality is blowing in Nigeria despite stiff consequences as provided by the Nigerian Constitution on this, is alarming. It is opined that if Federal Government of Nigeria fails to nip this anomaly in the bud, it might portray the nation in bad light in the committee of nations, most especially the African race.
Rcently, a report emanated that some community police arrested a group of guys for allegedly involved in homosexuality in various communities in the South-western parts of Nigeria.
It was gathered that one Mr. Joseph Akinwunmi (a community Chairman) wrote a petition to the police authority and it was established that warrant of arrest was issued in this regard. According to a report by Daily Bells Nigeria, it was allegedly confirmed that these young men in their mid thirties and early forties were caught in the act at various zones within the region. Mostly, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos states.
Further findings obtained from an insider within the community, revealed that Oseni Idowu Akeem, Easy Toyin Adegbile, Babatunde Owolabi Osho, Charles Peter Adegbuyiro, Olatunji Peter Bamisile and few others were among those that are currently at large in which they are currently under the surveillance of the Police Force.
Similarly, Olatunji Peter Bamisile , Easy Adegbile, Babatunde Owolabi Osho, Charles Adegbuyiro, Jamiu Sekoni and Ikechuckwu Daniel were since reportedly excommunicated from their communities as a result of eyewitness account gathered due to their illicit involvement in homosexuality. Reason for the banishment, according to traditional ruler of the community, was premised on the belief that it would customarily cleanse the land from further consecration.
The Nigerian Police frowned at homosexuality in its entirety. The Public Relations Officer of the Zone 2 Police Command, Mrs Dolapo Badmos, has asked homosexuals to flee the country or face the law.
Recall the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act 2013, which was passed on January 7, 2014,” the police said in a statement, while urging other security agencies to apprehend anyone involved in such unnatural act.
The police statement said: “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 in nature, 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.”
According to a resident in the communities, who preferred to remain anonymous, maintained that two boys were caught pants down but fled the scene to avoid being lynched by the people in the neighborhood that witnessed this proscribed act.
In a developing story, when our correspondent visited the community to confirm the veracity of this incident, the chairman of the community, in his statement said “We have carried out a thorough investigation on this criminal act and we found it to be true. All hands are on deck to ensuring all the names mentioned face the full wrath of 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.
