How Homosexuality is Creating Hostile Environment for Nigerians Defying Heterosexual Norms

In Nigeria, a silent struggle unfolds for individuals accused of engaging in homosexuality, and same-sex relationships.

The country with over 200 million citizens maintains stringent laws against homosexuality, creating a hostile environment for those who identify outside heterosexual norms.

Nigeria’s legal stance on homosexuality is deeply entrenched in its colonial past. Under the colonial rule, British-imposed laws criminalized same-sex relations, and these laws have persisted. Section 214 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act criminalizes “carnal knowledge against the order of nature,” with penalties ranging from imprisonment to death by stoning under Sharia law in the northern states.

Additionally, the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, passed in 2014, further penalizes same-sex unions, advocacy, and support for LGBTQ+ rights, with severe punishments including prison sentences of up to 14 years.

Just recently, precisely, on May 10, 2024, a middle-aged man, Abdullahi Sani from 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 found guilty and sentenced to death by stoning following the provisions of sections 131, 132, and 133 of the Bauchi State Administration of Criminal Justice, 2001.

For LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria, the repercussions of being accused of homosexuality are dire. Public exposure can lead to ostracization, violence, and even death. Many face discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare, with reports of harassment and blackmail being alarmingly common. Fear of persecution forces many to conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity, living in constant fear of discovery.

Despite the adversities, Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community exhibits remarkable resilience and solidarity. Underground networks provide support, offering safe spaces, legal aid, and counselling services. Activist organizations such as The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERS) and Queer Alliance Nigeria advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, challenging discriminatory laws and providing resources for community members.

Internationally, Nigeria faces scrutiny for its human rights record concerning LGBTQ+ rights. Advocacy groups, diplomatic pressure, and grassroots movements push for legal reform and societal acceptance. While progress is slow, recent years have seen small victories, such as increased visibility and acceptance in urban areas and legal challenges to discriminatory laws.

The plight of Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community underscores the intersection of culture, law, and human rights. While facing immense challenges, individuals accused of homosexuality display 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.

If a person is accused of homosexuality in Nigeria, they face severe legal and social consequences. Under Nigerian law, engaging in same-sex relationships is considered a criminal offence. Depending on the circumstances and the region of Nigeria, punishments can range from imprisonment to death by stoning under Sharia law in the northern states. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, passed in 2014, further criminalizes same-sex unions, advocacy, and support for LGBTQ+ rights, with penalties including lengthy prison sentences.

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

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

Onyekanna who narrated the incident leading to his travails, said it happened on October 12, 2023, when he lost his job after retrenchment from the company he worked for in Lagos.

He said after the layoff from work, he was paid some money as a severance package, after which he used to invest in a relaxation centre called ‘Jolly Joint.’

According to him, the business started growing through patronage from friends, who converted the place into a rallying point for homosexual activities.

He said as the relaxation centre became known to be frequented by same-sex patrons, police authorities raided the spot and fortunately for him, he was not found as he went to purchase some items for the business.

He said on hearing of the raid by law enforcement agents, he went into hiding to evade arrest.

It would recall an incident that happened in the Agege area of Lagos in 2021, where a man identified as Sanusi Adekola was equally 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 then, and without any facts about the claims was handed over to the police by the community for interrogation.

From our fact findings, Sanusi Adekola’s whereabouts have since not been unknown.

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

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

“Until they accused him of sleeping with his manager, the case ruined his marriage, his family turned apart to the extent that it ruined his business since then, I don’t know his whereabouts,” he added.

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

Badmos said this in a post on her official Instagram handle, 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.