The Nigeria Police have brought 22 suspects to the Lagos State Magistrate Court in Igbosere, accusing them of lesbianism and unlawful gathering. The police charged the suspects with a four-count charge, including illegal same-sex association, unlawful gathering, threatening public peace, and resisting arrest. Police also declared four other individuals wanted in connection with the case.
According to the prosecution, officers arrested the suspects at a hotel in the Ajah area of Lagos after receiving a tip about a suspected lesbian sex party. A copy of the charge states that the defendants, on February 27, 2022, at Orchid Hotels in Ajah, “did engage in lesbian activities by having canal knowledge of yourselves, against the order of nature and law,” an offense punishable under Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The arraignment reminds us that Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2013, which took effect in January 2014, mandates a 14-year prison sentence for anyone who engages in a homosexual “civil union.” The act’s definition of “civil union” is vague, allowing it to apply to various homosexual behaviors.
Police Seek Four Suspects at Large
The police have also declared four additional individuals wanted on the same charges. According to the prosecutor, these suspects evaded arrest and escaped. Their identities are Victoria Abimbola Oladele (28), Judith Adeji (26), Marian Joseph (26), and Edeghonghon Emmanuella Oribhabor (36).
The prosecutor informed journalists that the state’s Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the suspects still at large. He said that some of the arrested suspects cooperated with police to confirm the identities of the fugitives. He also added, “Anyone with useful information should report at the nearest Police Station. The Police is determined to rid the State of lesbianism and all forms of gay activities in Lagos. A confidential reward is also available for anyone with useful information which might lead to their arrests.”
During the arraignment, all 22 suspects pleaded not guilty. Their counsel, Barrister Ehiko Onoche, requested that the court grant them bail. However, the court denied bail, citing the seriousness of the case and the government’s interest. The court also expressed concern that the defendants might jump bail, especially since they are already facing a charge of resisting arrest. The court then adjourned the matter for a hearing and ordered the suspects to be held at a correctional center until the hearing date.
See Also: Suspected Lesbian Detained, Partner Edeghonghon Emanuella At Large
