•Says groups seek release of 76 suspects, provide lubricants, condoms, drugs for them
From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
Over the past few decades, the issue of same-sex attraction, often referred to as gays, homosexuals, and same-sex marriage has become a hot topic worldwide. While some countries have legalized the act, many others, including Nigeria, have not, leading to polarizing debates.
While the global debate about the right and legality of same-sex marriage persists, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently arrested 76 youths in Gombe for allegedly planning a same-sex marriage at a birthday party.
The incident has sparked a controversy that raised concerns about the arrest and what the law says about the act in Nigeria and what should be done to the suspects, who are all youths.
Nigeria has strict laws regarding gay and same-sex marriage, called the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act. The law, which criminalizes homosexuality in the country, was signed in 2014. The Criminal Code specifically prohibits carnal knowledge against the order of nature.
According to the law, sexual relationships between people of the same gender are illegal and individuals found guilty can be punished with imprisonment or death.
Daily Sun gathered that on October 21, 2023, the Gombe State Command of the NSCDC arrested the 76 youths allegedly attempting to hold same-sex marriage at a birthday party in the Gombe metropolis. According to the state commandant of the corps, Muhammad Bello Muazu, the arrest followed a tip-off on the planned event.
He told Daily Sun that the perpetrators disguised the marriage occasion in the name of a birthday party of one 18-year-old Bashir Sani, who preferred to be called ‘Bishira Gombe’ (which is the female version of his name). Muazu said: “According to the investigation Bashir Sani of Tabra quarters in Akko Local Government Area (LGA) of Gombe was getting married to Usman, a resident of Nasarawo quarters in Gombe metropolis, who is now at large”.
The commandant disclosed that during investigation, 21 of the 76 suspects arrested confessed to being femboys, gay, homosexuals and pimps.
He said: “The investigation revealed that the other 55 suspects, including the master of ceremonies, DJ and other spectators who were there to watch the event, sounded strange to most of them. We have so far cleared the 55 suspects and released them on bail pending the complete conclusion of the investigation”.
The commandant disclosed that while the investigation was ongoing, the corps took the 21 suspects to the state specialist hospital for medical screening.
He explained further that the medical report of the suspects, who were examined for HIV, hepatitis and anal test, indicated that one out of them was HIV positive, while another one was found to be hepatitis B positive.
“The medical practitioners advised that they should undergo further tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) and anal warts test. Moreover, according to the doctors’ advice, the HIV tests should be repeated after three months, which is the expected window period.”
According to the law enforcement agency, while it plans to charge the suspects to court upon completion of its investigations, it uncovered how and where the suspects were receiving their support and courage to keep perpetrating the crime.
Muazu disclosed that there were several non-governmental organizations and groups that provide lubricants, condoms and medication for the suspects.
He said: “Though the NGOs are hiding in the dark, they are even promising them (the suspects) that whoever wants transgender surgery they will help and take them abroad for free operation”.
According to Muazu, the tussle has led the alleged non-profit organization that advocates for human rights and other NGOs to openly condemn the arrest and call for the immediate release of the suspects.
He stated that the groups described the arrest as a violation of the fundamental human rights of the youths and that it was a blatant display of discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The commandant said the organisations were mounting pressure for the release of the suspects, adding that a representative from Abuja identified as a lawyer, among others, “are on our necks in the name of human rights.”
Muazu further disclosed that the NSCDC has observed that the rate at which youths were being recruited and engaged in homosexuality in Gombe State was increasing by around 0.5 per cent every week.
“The homosexuals are being sponsored and supported by some NGOs residing in the state. Most of the youths are joining the cult for money or ignorance of the law. They are being deceived that the act is constitutional.
“The NGOs are even threatening and intimidating the members (who are mostly minors) for any attempt to stop or withdraw from the act. There is an involvement of international bodies such as lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) on the matter and our NGOs want to use it for business in the name of providing support and rehabilitation of the suspects involved.”
As soon as he got information on the happening, Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, set up a multi-sectoral committee to resolve the issue and propose a solution, for the benefit of the state and youths involved. Members of the informal committee include the state’s attorney-general and commissioner for justice and that of internal security, as well as religious leaders from Muslim and Christian faiths, the commandant of the NSCDC, the state’s chapter of the National Human Rights Commission and the former Grand Khadi of the state.
According to Muazu, the committee was set up to brainstorm and advise the state on how best to respond to the act, which has been criminalized by Nigerian law and is yet controversial in some climes. However, the state command of the NSCDC urged the state government to consider an awareness campaign on the effects and position of the act in the eyes of the law.
The law enforcement agency equally called on the government to query the NGOs and groups providing support and sponsoring such criminal acts in the state.
“Their license of staying in the state should be withdrawn,” the commandant said, while tasking the state House of Assembly to enact a law on zero tolerance and extra punishment for the crime in the state.
