NIGERIA Man accused of being homosexual was attacked by an aggressive group of men. They tied his hands, beat him with wooden planks, and finally threw him into a canal after a series of insults.
Homosexuality is illegal throughout Nigeria and is punished very severely. Nigerian society itself is highly intolerant toward LGBTQ+ individuals. In the northern part of the country, which is Muslim and governed by Sharia law, homosexual behavior can be punishable by death through stoning. In the southern part, federal law allows imprisonment of up to 14 years for homosexual acts.
Organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and UNAIDS have repeatedly expressed concern over these laws. They warn that such legislation leads to increased violence, blackmail, and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, as well as restricted access to vital services, such as HIV prevention. Amnesty International has described these laws as violations of Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
Unfortunately, despite international pressure and domestic activism, the situation for LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria has not improved. In fact, in 2023, raids on private gatherings resulted in the arrest of 76 people, including 21 homosexuals, highlighting growing societal tolerance for violence and persecution.
