The Nigeria Police Force has issued a directive for the arrest of individuals involved in same-sex marriages within the country. This comes as part of an effort to uphold legal provisions and protect societal values.
In an official statement released by the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday, the police clarified the legal aspects surrounding unnatural offences and same-sex marriage in Nigeria.
The statement highlights that unnatural offences are explicitly prohibited under Sections 214 to 217 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, applicable in Southern States. These offences include engaging in carnal knowledge against the order of nature, whether with a person or an animal. Those found guilty may face legal consequences as stipulated by the law.
The statement reads in part, “These sections specifically criminalize acts considered unnatural, such as having carnal knowledge of a person, or permitting a person to have carnal knowledge of one against the order of nature, or having carnal knowledge of an animal, and those found guilty may face legal consequences as outlined by the law.
“This is re-echoed by Section 284 of the Nigerian Penal Code applicable in the Northern part of the country. Similarly, it is imperative to note that same-sex marriage is strictly prohibited in Nigeria. “
According to the statement, the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 criminalizes the solemnization, operation, and public display of same-sex marriages.
“We therefore emphasize the importance of understanding and adhering to these laws as any violation will be met with due legal processes.
We remain dedicated to maintaining law and order and call on all citizens to report all suspicious activities related to unnatural offences or same-sex marriage, providing crucial information that will aid our efforts to enforce the law.”
The statement urges parents and guardians to support the police in the fight against such inhuman activities which are alien to culture and also punishable under the law.
