SODOM and GOMORRAH: Four Men Stand Trial For Homosexuality in Bauchi State

Four men suspected of being gay appeared before a Shariah Court in Bauchi, northern Nigeria, on June 12.The rainbow flag is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride and diversity

The rainbow flag is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride and diversity

An Islamic court in Nigeria’s northern state of Bauchi has put on trial four men accused of being homosexuals. The suspects, Abubakar Alhassan, Sani Sale, Shehu Ahmed and Misbahu Sale, were nabbed in Gumau Town on May 8.

According to the Prosecutor, Abubakar Garba, the offence contravened Sections 126 and 133 of the State Shari’ah Laws, 2001, and the Penal Code. Although three of the accused, Alhassan, Sale and Ahmed, pleaded guilty to the charge and asked for mercy, Misbahu Sale did not confess to the crime. The Presiding Judge, Abdu Ibrahim, adjourned till June 26 for trial continuation.

On January 7, President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act that criminalizes gay marriage, gay organizations and anyone working with or promoting them. The new legislation applies across Nigeria, affecting all citizens. Under Islamic law, a person can be sentenced to death by stoning if convicted of homosexuality. It is also illegal to have gay sex in Nigeria, according to its secular laws.

Following the introduction of the law, the police all over the country immediately began a series of arrests:

Five homosexuals were apprehended and stripped naked today Monday March 24, at the Ekurede Urhobo axis in Warri, Delta state.

Four young men were convicted of gay sex and whipped publicly as punishment in an Islamic court in Bauchi State.

Seven men who allegedly broke the law on homosexuality were released on bail from two Islamic courts in Bauchi State.

If you wish to know how this story develops, use 

Know more about this news? Update the info!