TheCable

The Kano hisbah board says it has arrested 19 youths for allegedly attending a gay wedding ceremony in the state.

Speaking on the development on Tuesday, Lawan Ibrahim, spokesperson of the board, said the two suspected homosexuals, identified as Abba and Mujahid, had invited the youths to witness their wedding.

Homosexuality is illegal in Nigeria and punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Same-sex marriage and relationships in some northern states operating Sharia law attract a maximum punishment of death by stoning.

The Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act criminalises all forms of same-sex unions and same-sex marriage throughout the country.

Ibrahim said 15 females and four males were apprehended at the ceremony, adding that two suspected homosexuals escaped the location.

“The arrest was made after a good samaritan hinted the board about the same-sex marriage,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“Our personnel attached to hisbah board headquarters, Sharada Kano, arrived at the scene before the commencement of the wedding.

“Among those arrested were 15 females and four males.

“Abba and Mujahid escaped immediately hisbah personnel arrived at the wedding venue, but the organiser, Salma Usman, 21, is in our custody.

“Those arrested will be handed over to the police for necessary action as most of the ladies claimed they were invited to the wedding from neighbouring states

“We shall intensify efforts to ensure that Abba and Mujahid are arrested.”

Ibrahim said the board will work to ensure the suspected homosexuals are arrested.