LGBTQ+ Community Faces Targeted Abuse in Nigeria Amidst Mass Arrests
Nigeria's law enforcement is reportedly leveraging the country's same-sex prohibition law to target the LGBTQ+ community, turning a blind eye to abuses against them, according to rights groups and lawyers. Recent mass arrests of gay individuals, conducted without thorough investigations, are raising concerns about the safety of queer Nigerians amid anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments in the country. Nigeria, like over 30 African nations, criminalizes homosexuality, with public support for these laws, despite constitutional guarantees of freedom from discrimination.
The latest arrests in Gombe state involved over 70 individuals accused of "holding homosexual birthdays" and planning a same-sex marriage. Such detentions follow a similar incident in Delta state in August, indicating a troubling trend of human rights violations, as noted by Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2013 in Nigeria imposes severe penalties for gay marriage, contributing to the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals and forcing many to flee the country. While arrests under this law are not new, recent mass detentions raise concerns about false accusations and inhumane conditions for suspects, violating their rights.
The flawed legal process is evident in cases like the failed trial of 47 men arrested in 2018, highlighting the exploitation of anti-gay laws without due process. Ongoing discrimination, arrests, and media parades pose significant risks to individuals based on their real or perceived sexual or gender orientation, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.
Despite international condemnation, these abuses persist, creating a challenging environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria. The law enforcement's failure to address cases of abuse against the community further exacerbates the issue, leaving vulnerable individuals at risk without proper legal protection.
