– FCT police arrest same-sex couple about to marry in Abuja
– Sponsors, owner of the hotel arrested
– Same-sex marriage illegal in Nigeria, punishable by 14-year jail term
On Saturday, February 6, Nigerian police officers apprehended two men attempting to get married in Jiwa community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The sponsors of the event, including the owner of the hotel where the event was scheduled to take place are also currently in the police custody.
According to Leadership, hundreds of guests gathered at the venue, with decorations and a stage set for the occasion. The police officers with the Gwagwa police station entered as the celebrants were about to take their places at the high table.
It is believed that the suspects who are currently residing in the Jiwa community hail from Kaduna state. Leadership reports their names are Abdul Lawal and Umar Tahir, with Abubakar Tahir and Mohammed Sani acting as main sponsors of the events.
The police were tipped off beforehand about the same-sex marriage plans and kept surveillance in the area.
The FCT police command spokesperson confirmed the incident and arrests to Leadership.
“We will charge the suspects to the high court as soon as the appropriate investigations have been concluded on the matter,” Anjuguri Manza, the police public relations officer of the FCT command said. He said the police would continue to arrest and charge to court perpetrators of such illegal acts in any parts of the territory.
Former president Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the bill outlawing same-sex marriage in Nigeria on January 7, 2014. Nigerians risk a 14-year jail term for engaging in same-sex activities. Any person who runs or attends gay clubs, societies or organisations will earn a 10-year imprisonment, as well as those who administer, witness, abet or aid the solemnisation of a same-sex marriage.
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