Trial Of 27 Suspects In LGBTQ Practices Begins Sept 9 — Prosecutor

Twenty-seven (27) suspects comprising 15 females and 12 males arrested for their alleged involvement in illicit and obscene LGBTQ practices will be arraigned on September 9, 2024.

The prosecutors, in a statement made available to Correspondents in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, said the suspects who are within the age bracket of between 20 and 40, hail from different parts of the country.

The lead prosecutor, who wish to remain anonymous, disclosed that the suspects currently on administrative bail, were seized by the Etsu vigilante group while partying at the Cosmas Hotel, New Karu, in Nasawara State, near Abuja, on July 20, 2024.

The law on gay practice, according to the prosecutor, carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, if found guilty at the conclusion of their trials.

“Fifteen (15) female and 12 men who were arrested after members of Etsu vigilante security group raided a hotel party in Karu local government area on suspicion of them engaging in outlawed LGBTQ activities will appear in court after being charged by the Police, who have also applied for the closure of Cosmas hotel, New Karu where the despicable event took place on Saturday July 20.

“The prosecutors said High Court summons had been dispatched to the offenders who were released on administrative bail and whose appearance is expected on September 9.

“The expressions of homosexuality and other forms of weird sexual orientation is illegal in Nigeria and punishable by up to 14 years of prison,” the statement stressed.