NIGERIA PROHIBITS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, POLICE WARN

Babatunji Wusu –

According to Sections 214 to 217 of the Criminal Code, same-sex marriage is forbidden and unlawful in Nigeria, according to the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.

As a result, the Police headquarters has issued a warning, saying that anyone caught participating in these illegal acts within the nation would suffer the full force of the law.

The Nigeria Police Force addressed the legal elements of same-sex marriage and unnatural offences in response to recent social media trends.

According to the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014, same-sex marriage is strictly forbidden in Nigeria, as stated in the statement made by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi.

He discussed the legal ramifications of same-sex marriage and unnatural acts under Section 284 of the Nigerian Penal Code, which applies in the country’s northern regions, and the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, which applies to states in the south.

The statement reads: “It is imperative to note that same-sex marriage is strictly prohibited in Nigeria. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 criminalizes the solemnization, operation and public display of same-sex marriages.

“Following recent trend on social media where some individuals, who identify as queer, were visibly encouraging and associating themselves with activities perceived to be unnatural in light of Nigerian laws, the Nigeria Police Force hereby wishes to enlighten the public on the legal aspects concerning unnatural offences and same-sex marriage within the country.

“By the Nigerian Criminal Code Act applicable in the Southern states, unnatural offences are prohibited under Sections 214 to 217.

“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.

“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.”