ABUJA, Nigeria – In a recent development that has raised concerns about LGBTQ rights in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force has announced its intention to target members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community.
This decision follows a TikTok video where eight individuals, comprising three women and five men, publicly declared their sexual identities as part of the ‘Of Course’ trend.
The video, uploaded on @whernigeria, has caught the attention of law enforcement authorities.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reacted to the video, labeling the individuals as “criminals” under Nigerian law and condemning their actions as “unnatural offences.”
Adejobi’s statement indicates the police’s commitment to taking necessary action in accordance with Nigerian law.
This stance by the NPF aligns with the legal framework established in 2014 when former President Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill criminalising LGBTQ advocacy and same-sex marriages.
Under this law, individuals involved in same-sex marriages can face up to 14 years in prison. The legislation also criminalises meetings of homosexuals, operating or attending gay clubs, societies, or organizations, and public displays of same-sex affection, with offenders risking up to 10 years in jail.
The NPF’s plan to pursue members of the LGBTQ community in response to the TikTok video reflects the ongoing challenges and legal restrictions faced by LGBTQ individuals in Nigeria.
This move has sparked a debate about human rights, personal freedoms, and the legal treatment of sexual minorities in the country.
As the situation develops, it raises significant concerns about the safety and rights of the LGBTQ community in Nigeria.
