The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 76 persons for allegedly practicing in a same-sex marriage in Gombe State.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan had sometime in 2014 signed a bill that criminalises same-sex relationships, defying western pressure over gay rights and provoking US criticism.
The bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex “amorous relationships” and membership of gay rights groups, was passed by the national assembly.
The NSCDC Commandant in Gombe state, Mohammed Muazu, recently paraded the people before journalists at the command headquarters in Gombe.
He said the agency’s operatives stormed the venue following a tip-off and stopped the wedding.
He said those apprehended comprised 59 males and 17 females.
Muazu, who was represented at the briefing by the NSCDC spokesman in the state, Buhari Sa’ad, said: “They were arrested at Duwa plaza along Bauchi-Gombe expressway, holding a homosexual birthday and they had plans to hold a same-sex wedding before our men raided the scene. 59 males were arrested, 21 willfully confessed to being homosexuals, and 17 females, being present at the scene were picked up.”
“They will be charged to court to answer for their crime which is a social vice, a crime in Gombe State.”
