by Staff writer
No fewer than 42 men have been arrested by the police in Lagos State, Nigeria, for allegedly involving in homosexual activities, Punch Newspaper reports.
It was learnt that the suspects were rounded up at a hotel at Weigh Bridge in Owode Onirin area of Lagos State on Saturday.
The hotel where they were caught has been sealed off, the report also stated. Some of the men wore female clothes, people say.
A resident of the area, who gave his name only as Tunji, said policemen from the Owode Onirin Division swooped on the suspects at around 3.30 pm.
He said, “There have been reports that the hotel harbours homosexuals. They were there this afternoon when policemen struck. About 40 of them were caught in the act.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Olarinde Famous-Cole, confirmed the arrest.
He added that the suspects had been handed over to the state task force for prosecution.
Officer Cole said: “It is true. About 42 suspected homosexuals were arrested and the hotel has been condoned off while investigation continues. They are in custody of the Lagos State Task Force and will be charged to court soon.”
Nigeria’s ex-president Goodluck Jonathan signed a bill in 2014 that criminalises all forms of homosexual activities and relationships in the country, with offenders risking up to a 14-year jail term.
