The Nigeria Police Force has declared its intention to target members of the Nigerian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community, branding them as criminals and asserting that their actions are subject to legal consequences.
This development comes on the heels of a viral video challenge wherein LGBTQ members openly discussed their sexual orientations, shedding light on prevalent misconceptions surrounding their identities.
The video, shared widely on various social media platforms, triggered a diverse range of reactions among the Nigerian populace. Some citizens questioned the efficacy of the anti-gay law signed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in January 2007, expressing uncertainty about its current relevance. A tweet from @instablog9ja encapsulated the sentiments of many, stating, “LGBTQ members in Nigeria join the trending challenge.”
However, not all responses were supportive as @cute_pecky remarked, “Lesbians dressing up like men just to attract females and gays adopting a female appearance to be noticed—nothing but confused souls.”
Such divisive comments underscore the deep-seated societal attitudes that persist regarding LGBTQ individuals in Nigeria.
As the video gained traction, @iamking_yusuf expressed surprise, saying, “@Princemoye1 @PoliceNG una no update us say LGBTQ is now legal in Naija o. Buh no shaking, all of us go well last last.”
This reaction hints at a possible lack of awareness among the public regarding the current legal status of LGBTQ rights in Nigeria.
Related posts
- Rivers State Police Frown at Officer Misconduct
- FG Sets To Generates 100,000 Jobs From Gas, Propane Depot
- President Tinubu Commits to South-South Development
Responding to the viral challenge, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, took to social media to announce that the police were actively investigating the clip. He unequivocally stated, “They are criminal and punishable under the law. We are on this clip to take necessary action according to the provisions of the law in Nigeria. These are unnatural offences and are totally condemned. Thanks.”
However, the police’s stance has not gone unchallenged. Some Nigerian X users raised concerns about the potential selectivity of the law. @kibass5 argued, “Sending them to jail or arresting them will not change their sexuality. You are about to give them asylum in other countries because of your discrimination.”
This viewpoint emphasizes the broader implications of such legal actions and their impact on the affected individuals.
Similarly, @adexbee15 questioned the consistency of Nigerian laws, drawing attention to individuals like Bobrisky and James Brown, who openly expressed non-conforming gender identities without apparent legal repercussions. The notion that the law might be applied unevenly has ignited discussions about the fairness and impartiality of the legal system.
