According to a statement by the authorities, a tip-off from an informant who was aware of the event led to the raid and subsequent arrest of 67 individuals. The tip-off was received during the police interrogation of a male cross-dresser, who was found dressed as a female, on August 27. The statement did not specify the exact date of the raid.
Edafe Bright, the Delta police spokesperson, stated that those arrested would soon face charges in court. Homosexuality is widely considered unacceptable in Nigeria, as is the case in many parts of Africa. In 2014, an anti-gay law came into effect in Nigeria despite international condemnation. While cross-dressing itself is not illegal, it is often socially stigmatized.
Bright reported, “The policemen chased and arrested a total number of 67 suspects” who were allegedly involved in or attended a same-sex wedding ceremony. Further investigations revealed that a drunken guest, who was detained during the raid, had allegedly been sexually assaulted by a suspect who is currently at large.
Efforts are being made to apprehend the individuals who fled the scene, according to Bright. Nigeria’s anti-gay law imposes severe penalties, including prison terms of up to 14 years for those convicted. It also prohibits gay marriage, same-sex relationships, and membership in gay rights organizations in Africa’s most populous nation.
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