During a court ruling on Tuesday, it was decided that each detainee would be released on a bail of 500,000 naira. This decision was met with opposition from state prosecutors. The court also mandated that the detainees, who were absent during the hearing, sign a monthly register until their subsequent court appearance, as informed by their lawyer Ochuko Ohimor.
The arrests occurred following a police raid at a hotel in Ekpan, based on information obtained during an interrogation. Police spokesperson Edafe Bright stated that both men and women were apprehended for supposedly conducting and attending a same-sex wedding ceremony. Bright emphasized Nigeria's intolerance towards homosexuality.
Amnesty International's Nigeria office strongly criticized the arrests, demanding an immediate cessation of what it termed as a witch hunt. Nigeria's anti-gay legislation, enacted in 2014, is part of a broader cultural and religious opposition to homosexuality, a sentiment shared by several other African countries. The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act in Nigeria includes severe penalties, with up to 14 years of imprisonment for those convicted under it. The act prohibits gay marriages, same-sex relationships, and membership in gay rights groups. While cross-dressing is not illegal, it is generally not accepted socially.
In a related context, Uganda, another African nation, has also enacted stringent anti-gay laws. President Yoweri Museveni recently signed legislation imposing the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality," which includes cases involving HIV-infected individuals, minors, and other vulnerable groups. An attempt at "aggravated homosexuality" can lead to imprisonment for up to 14 years.
These developments highlight the harsh legal and social environment faced by the LGBTQ+ community in many parts of Africa, where homosexuality remains a contentious and heavily penalized issue.