Nigeria Police arrest 67 gay suspects in Delta State

Delta State Police Command in Nigeria has arrested 67 gay suspects at a hotel on August 28, 2023 at a suspected gay wedding ceremony between one Daniel Pious, male (groom) and Maxwell Ohwonowho (bride) at Teebulus Hotel along Refinery Road, Ekpan. DSP Bright Edafe of Delta State disclosed the information in a tweet posted today, August 29, 2023. The DSP stated that the suspects were paraded today at Ekpan Police Station.

In Nigeria, homosexuality is punishable under both secular and religious laws. The Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, signed into law in 2014, criminalizes not just same-sex unions but also the public show of same-sex "amorous relationships" and membership in LGBTQ+ rights organizations. Those found guilty can face up to 14 years in prison. In the country's northern regions, where Sharia law is in effect, the penalties can be even more severe, including corporal and capital punishment.

Countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have repeatedly condemned Nigeria's anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The United Nations has also called for an end to the criminalization of homosexuality, stating that such laws are a violation of human rights. However, Nigeria has largely resisted external pressures to change its legislation.
Local Activism

Despite the risks, local activists continue to advocate for change from within the country. Organizations such as The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs) are promoting the rights of LGBTQ persons in Nigeria through engagement at the national and interational level and pro-bono of legal aid services.

Public opinion in Nigeria is largely divided. While some people, often backed by conservative religious beliefs, support the existing laws, there is a growing number of Nigerians, especially among the younger generation, who are questioning the morality and fairness of criminalizing someone based on their sexual orientation.