Human rights organisations express concern after 25 arrested at alleged "gay wedding" in Nigeria
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Religious police in northern Nigeria have arrested 25 individuals for allegedly attending a same-sex wedding ceremony, in a move that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations.
The arrests took place on Saturday, 25 October, in the city of Kano, where members of the Hisbah - a religious police force enforcing Sharia law - raided an event centre following a tip-off from a local resident. Authorities claim the gathering was organised for a man intending to “tie the knot” with another man, an act deemed illegal under both federal and religious laws in Nigeria.
Among those detained were 18 men and seven women, including the couple allegedly involved in the ceremony. The Deputy Commander General of the Hisbah, Sheikh Mujahid Abubakar, stated that the group appeared to be conducting a marriage ceremony when officers arrived. All individuals are currently in custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community, which continues to endure widespread discrimination and legal persecution. A 2023 Pew Research Centre survey found that 97% of Nigerians oppose the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
Nigerian gay man dies following brutal homophobic attack
Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community is grieving following the death of Hilary, a young gay man who succumbed to injuries sustained during a vicious homophobic assault in Port Harcourt. The news was confirmed by LGBTQ rights activist Reverend Jide Macaulay, who shared the heartbreaking update via Instagram. According to Macaulay’s
Graham Robson
Nigeria’s legal framework is among the harshest globally for LGBTQ+ individuals. In 12 northern states, including Kano, Sharia law operates alongside the federal justice system. Under its interpretation, homosexuality is punishable by death, although such sentences have never been enforced. Elsewhere in the country, same-sex activity can result in life imprisonment. A federal law passed in 2014 also criminalises same-sex unions and their promotion, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
Amnesty International has condemned the arrests, calling them “humiliating and unlawful.” The organisation criticised the Hisbah for arbitrarily targeting individuals based on perceived sexual orientation, appearance, or behaviour. “No one should be arrested because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity,” Amnesty stated.
This latest incident follows similar raids in recent years, including the arrest of 67 people in Delta State in 2023 and dozens more in previous years. Despite these arrests, no convictions have yet been secured for attending or organising alleged same-sex weddings.
Earlier this month, Hilary, a young gay man, succumbed to injuries sustained during a vicious homophobic assault in Port Harcourt.
