Nigeria: Vigilante group has ‘arrested 25 gay men’ in the last year
A Vigilante group in Kebbi State, Nigeria said it has arrested 25 gay men the last year and handed them over to the authorities.
Sanusi Ibrahim Geza, the leader of the Kebbi state command, announced the arrests last week during a press briefing.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, he said: “Some of them were flogged while others were taken to court to face other punitive measures.
“Twenty people were also arrested for human trafficking and they have been handed over to the Immigration office for further action.”
He added: “For us to achieve any meaningful reduction in crime, we must collaborate with the other state security agencies.”
The vigilante group describes itself as “a voluntary security operatives that assist in the maintenance of law and order.”
Earlier this month, a Nigerian gay rights activist who runs a clinic for gay men and transgender people was allegedly arrested and detained without charge.
Punishments can include jail terms of up to 14 years.
President President Goodluck Jonathan has refused to repeal the legislation.
