court in Bauchi on Wednesday, Jan. 22, on charges of being
involved in same-sex relationships.
The case drew thousands of protesters to the court, who
threw stones at the men as they were being transported
back to prison after the trial, as security forces fired into
the air to disperse the angry crowd.
The men were arrested by the Bauchi State Sharia
Commission for allegedly engaging in homosexual
activities, acts that contravene the Islamic laws which the
state had been operating under since 2001.
The men were named as Shehu Adamu, Yusuf Adamu,
Aliyu Dalhatu, Abdulmalik Tanko, Usman Sabo and Hazif
Sabo Abubakar and Ibrahim Marafa. Continue...
It was the first case since President Goodluck Jonathan signed
a bill that criminalises same-sex relationships, defying
Western pressure over gay rights and provoking criticism
from the United States.
The bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison
and bans gay marriage, same-sex "amorous relationships" and
membership of gay rights groups, was passed by the National
Assembly last May but Jonathan had delayed signing it into
law until early January.
At Thursday's trial, the prosecuting lawyer said the case was a
direct result of the recently-passed law.
"This is further to the law against homosexuals which was
signed by the President. It has to be implemented. People
caught breaking this law must be prosecuted accordingly,"
said Danlami Ayuba.
The trial was adjourned to January 27.
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