More than 40 men were arrested over the weekend for homosexual acts in Nigeria, police say.
They are due to appear in court later.
A 2015 survey conducted by London-based gay Nigerian activist organization found that 87% of Nigerian residents consider homosexuality a way of life that society shouldn’t accept. LGBTQ people there face daily threats of violence and arrest as well as exorcism and ex-gay conversion therapy.
The sweep of the hotel happened on Saturday and targeted a hotel that locals claimed was known to “harbour homosexuals”. “They were there this afternoon when policemen struck”.
Famous-Cole, in his confirmation statement said: “It is true. About 40 of them were caught in the act”. There is also a significant increase in the number of men who have sex with men who are living with HIV in Nigeria.
Nigeria has the highest HIV rate in West and Central Africa – with around one in 30 or 3.5 million people infected with the virus – according to data from the U.N. AIDS programme (UNAIDS).
He added that the suspects had been handed over to the state task force for prosecution.
Nigeria has banned same-sex relationships since 1901, and passed laws in 2013 criminalizing same-sex marriages, gay and lesbian gatherings and any public displays of same-sex affection.
He pleaded with community leaders to identify persons staying in isolated areas which are no longer safe and report to the police.
Fifty-four people went on trial in Zaria in northern Nigeria in May on charges connected to allegations that they were celebrating a gay wedding, which are illegal under the 2014 law.
The young men were arrested while attending a party organised for two men who got married.