Nigeria’s Hostile Environment for LGBTQ+ People

BY TEMITOPE ADEBAYO

In Nigeria, a silent struggle is taking place for individuals accused of homosexuality and homosexual relations.

This country of more than 200 million citizens enforces strict laws against homosexuality, creating a hostile environment for those who identify outside of heterosexual norms.

Nigeria’s legal position on homosexuality is deeply rooted in its colonial past. Under colonial rule, laws imposed by the British criminalized same-sex relations, and these laws have persisted.

Section 214 of the Nigerian Penal Code criminalises “carnal intercourse against the natural order”, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to death by stoning under Sharia law in northern states.

Additionally, the law banning same-sex marriage, passed in 2014, further penalizes same-sex unions, advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ rights, with harsh penalties, including prison sentences of up to 14 years.

Just recently, precisely, on May 10, 2024, a middle-aged man, Abdullahi Sani, of Unguwar Makara Huta, was sentenced to death by stoning by a Sharia court in Ningi, the headquarters of Ningi Local Government Area of ​​Bauchi State for alleged homosexuality.

Abdullahi Sani was convicted and sentenced to death by stoning in accordance with the provisions of sections 131, 132 and 133 of the Bauchi State Criminal Justice Administration Act, 2001.

For LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria, the repercussions of being accused of homosexuality are dire. Public exposure can lead to ostracism, violence, and even death. Many face discrimination in education, employment, and health care, and reports of harassment and blackmail are extremely common. Fear of persecution forces many to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity, living in constant fear of discovery.

Despite the challenges, Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community has demonstrated remarkable resilience and solidarity. Underground networks provide support, safe spaces, legal aid, and counseling services. Activist organizations such as The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERS) and Queer Alliance Nigeria advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, challenge discriminatory laws, and provide resources to community members.

Nigeria has come under international scrutiny for its human rights record on LGBTQ+ rights. Advocacy groups, diplomatic lobbying, and grassroots movements are pushing for legal reform and social acceptance. While progress has been slow, there have been small victories in recent years, such as increased visibility and acceptance in urban areas and legal challenges to discriminatory laws.

The plight of Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community highlights the intersection of culture, law, and human rights. While facing immense challenges, those accused of homosexuality demonstrate resilience, solidarity, and a determination to live authentically despite the odds. As Nigeria navigates its complex relationship with LGBTQ+ rights, the voices of the marginalized continue to demand recognition, justice, and equality in a society that often fails to protect them.

In Nigeria, anyone accused of homosexuality faces severe legal and social consequences. Under Nigerian law, same-sex relationships are considered a criminal offence. Depending on the circumstances and region of Nigeria, penalties can range from imprisonment to stoning to death under Sharia law in the northern states. The Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, passed in 2014, further criminalises same-sex unions, advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ rights, with penalties ranging from lengthy prison sentences.

Beyond the legal repercussions, people accused of homosexuality in Nigeria also face social stigma, discrimination, harassment, and violence. Public exposure can lead to ostracism from family and community, loss of employment, denial of access to education and health care, and even physical abuse. Fear of persecution often forces individuals to conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity, living in constant fear of discovery and retaliation.

Recently, Fidelis Onyekanna, who resides in Lagos, called for help in an attempt to arrest him for alleged involvement in homosexual cult activities.

Onyekanna, who narrated the incident that led to his tribulations, said it happened on October 12, 2023, when he lost his job after being retrenched by the company he worked for in Lagos.

He said that after his dismissal he received a severance package, after which he invested in a relaxation centre called ‘Jolly Joint’.

According to him, the business began to grow thanks to the patronage of friends, who transformed the place into a rallying point for homosexual activities.

He said that since the relaxation centre was known to be frequented by same-sex clients, police authorities raided the premises and luckily for him, he was not found while he was going to purchase items for the business.

He said that after hearing about the raid by law enforcement, he went into hiding to escape arrest.

This would be reminiscent of an incident that occurred in the Agege area of ​​Lagos in 2021, where a man identified as Sanusi Adekola was also accused of homosexuality and ritualism.

The community reported him to the police for the crime that he was taking advantage of the young boys he sent on errands at the time, and without any facts on the allegations, he was handed over to the police by the community for questioning.

According to our investigations, the whereabouts of Sanusi Adekola is no longer unknown.

Speaking on this development in Lagos with our correspondent, Mr Emeka Andrew said it has now become a norm in Nigeria that when people want to get rid of you or overthrow you, they accuse you of being homosexual, ritualistic and yahoo plus.

According to Mr Andrew, I know a friend whose name I don’t want to mention, he owns a petrol station in Lagos and is doing very well.

“Until they accused him of sleeping with his manager, the affair ruined his marriage, his family disintegrated to the point of ruining his business since then, I don’t know where he is,” he added.

The Public Relations Officer of the Zone 2 Police Command, Ms Dolapo Badmos, has called on homosexuals to flee the country or face the law.

Badmos stated this in a post on her official Instagram account. She also called on Nigerians who have evidence against homosexuals to come forward with evidence.

Being accused of homosexuality in Nigeria can have devastating consequences, both legally and socially, contributing to a climate of fear and oppression for the LGBTQ+ community in the country.