SAYS ITS UNNATURAL OFFENCES, ILLEGAL IN NIGERIA
By Vincess Okushi
Perpetrators of same-sex marriage will soon face the law as the Nigeria Police Force has given matching orders to arrest Culprits in Nigeria.
This directive is before the recent trend on social media where some individuals who are identified as queer were visibly encouraging and associating themselves with activities perceived to be unnatural in light of Nigerian Laws.
A statement by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters Abuja 25th January 2024 said that given the social media activities, it has become imperative to enlighten the public on the legal aspects concerning unnatural offenses and same-sex marriage within the country.
Following the Nigerian Criminal Code Act applicable in the Southern States, unnatural offenses are prohibited under Sections 214 to 217. These sections specifically criminalize acts considered unnatural, such as having carnal knowledge of a person, 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 criminalizes the solemnization, 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. We remain dedicated to maintaining law and order and call on all citizens to report all suspicious activities related to unnatural offenses or same-sex marriage, providing crucial information that will aid our efforts to enforce the law.
The Force PRO further urged parents and guardians to collectively fight against such unnatural acts and support the Police to fish out those inhuman activities which are alien to Nigeria’s culture and also punishable under the law.
