A recent incident in Gombe State, Nigeria has resulted in the arrest of 76 individuals in connection to a same-sex birthday party and a planned marriage. Mohammed Muazu, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Gombe State, confirmed the arrests on Sunday.
Buhari Saad, the spokesperson for the Command, revealed that 21 men out of the 59 males investigated were found to be involved in gay activities. The remaining males and 17 females were deemed invited guests and onlookers at the birthday celebration.
The suspects were captured in an amateur video, partying in an open hall, where a 20-year-old named Bashir, known as Basira among his admirers, was entertaining guests in preparation for his suitor’s wedding ceremony. The suitor, who remains at large, has yet to be identified.
Authorities express concern over the ages of the individuals involved in these activities and have announced plans to ensure their return to school while under observation. The NSCDC guarantees that once investigations are completed, the individuals will be prosecuted accordingly.
This incident follows a similar case in August, when the Delta State Police Command arrested 67 individuals during a midnight wedding ceremony for a gay couple held in a hotel. Such occurrences highlight the ongoing issues surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria.
