At the end of last month, on August 29, over 60 people were arrested in Abuja, Nigeria for attending an LGBTQ wedding. Although arrests of queer people are unfortunately common in Nigeria, and in many other African countries, this is one of the country’s largest arrests targeting LGBTQ+ people. It was also a very public statement against the expression of queer love.
Police stormed the hotel where the wedding was taking place, and 67 people were arrested in southern Delta state’s Ekpan. Police spokesperson Bright Edafe told reporters regarding the incident that, “Homosexuality will never be tolerated” in the country, on any level. In Nigeria, one of Africa’s most populous countries, the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act includes up to 10 years in prison for LGBTQ people convicted of this charge, effectively outlawing queer relationships. It also adds that “accomplices” could face up to 10 years. The law is supported by extremists within the country even though it has been condemned both locally and nationally.
The police who stormed the hotel had initially intended to arrest everyone in attendance, a number of 200 individuals but 67 people were actually detained and investigated. Edafe reiterated that Nigerian police “cannot fold their hands” while watching LGBTQ+ people exist and openly express their identity.
“This is not something that will be allowed in Nigeria,” he said, adding that the suspects will be charged in court at the end of the investigation. “Same-sex weddings are rare in Nigeria, with many such couples opting to hold their ceremonies in countries where it is legal to do so,” Edafe adds.
Unfortunately, this is a common story in areas where queer relationships are still outlawed entirely. It is not yet clear what will happen to the folks getting married or those in attendance, but OFM will be following this story for more updates.
Photo courtesy of Twitter
