The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday said same-sex marriage remains illegal in Nigeria.
Since signing the anti-gay law in 2014, people believed to be of the LGBTQ community have been arrested and paraded by security operatives.
Recall that while recently participating in a popular online challenge, some LGBTQ members openly spoke about their sexuality and the misconceptions people had about them.
Responding, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police were currently investigating the clip.
He said, “They are criminal and punishable under the law. We are on this clip to take necessary action according to the provisions of the law in Nigeria. These are unnatural offences and are condemned. Thanks”
However, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Adejobi cited Sections 214 to 217 of the Nigerian Criminal Code which is applicable in states within the Southern region of Nigeria.
He further cited the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014, signed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, which criminalises the solemnisation, operation, and public display of same-sex marriages in the country.
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Adejobi said, “Following recent trend on social media where some individuals who identify as queer were visibly encouraging and associating themselves with activities perceived to be unnatural in light of Nigerian laws, the Nigeria Police Force hereby wishes to enlighten the public on the legal aspects concerning unnatural offences and same-sex marriage within the country.
“By the Nigerian Criminal Code Act applicable in Southern states, unnatural offences are prohibited under Sections 214 to 217.
“These sections specifically criminalise acts considered unnatural, such as having carnal knowledge of a person, or permitting a person to have carnal knowledge of one against the order of nature, or having carnal knowledge of an animal, and those found guilty may face legal consequences as outlined by the law. This is re-echoed by Section 284 of the Nigerian Penal Code applicable in the Northern part of the country.
“Similarly, it is imperative to note that same-sex marriage is strictly prohibited in Nigeria. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 criminalises the solemnisation, operation, and public display of same-sex marriages.
“We therefore emphasize the importance of understanding and adhering to these laws as any violation will be met with due legal processes.”
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Adejobi said the police remained dedicated to maintaining law and order and called on all citizens to report all suspicious activities related to unnatural offences or same-sex marriage.
He said such “crucial information” would help the police’s efforts to enforce the law.
“We need to collectively kick against such while we urge parents and guardians to take note and support the police in the fight against such inhuman activities which are alien to our culture and also punishable under the law,” the FPRO added.
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