The Debate and Development Resource Center -Nigeria (DEDERC) has called for transparency and respect for human rights in the discharge of justice on the 67 gay suspects arrested in Ekpan, Delta State on Tuesday.
The Country Director of DEDERC Nigeria, Comrade Jerry Nwigwe stated this in a reaction to the report of the arrest of the 67 gay suspects who were arrested in Ekpan, Delta State by Delta State Police Command. He charged the Police authorities to ensure the accused are speedily charged to court without prolonging their detention in the Police custody and also to ensure they all have access to their Lawyers.
He appealed to the National Human Rights Commission to facilitate legal aides support through the NBA or other bodies to ensure those who cannot afford legal fees during the process have legal representation. He pointed out that Nigeria is a signatory to different international human rights instruments especially the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and therefore the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court or tribunal should be guaranteed and respected.
This statement was made available to the media on 30th August 2023 in Abuja by DEDERC Nigeria.
CANDIDREPORTERS.COM recalls that former President Goodluck in 2014 Jonathan signed a bill that criminalises same-sex relationships, defying western pressure over gay rights and provoking US criticism.
The bill contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex “amorous relationships” and membership of gay rights groups.
Since the anti-gay law was passed in 2014, homosexuals have been arrested and paraded by security operatives in the country.
On 31st of December 2021, Police cracked down on homosexuals in a hidden brothel in Isolo, Lagos.
19 young people were in 2022 arrested in Kano for allegedly attending a same-sex wedding.
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